Introduction
This article provides a detailed explanation of why you might not be able to access a disk partition and see its used/free size in Explorer Administrator. We will cover key concepts related to this issue, focusing on the global topic of disk management and file system permissions.
Understanding Disk Partitions and File Systems
A disk partition is a logical division of a physical disk that functions as an independent disk. Each partition has its own file system that stores and manages files. Common file systems used in Windows include NTFS (New Technology File System), FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32), and exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table).
NTFS System Permissions
NTFS offers advanced features, such as file system permissions and user quotas. When you encounter issues with accessing a disk partition or viewing its used/free size, it's essential to consider NTFS system permissions first.
Reasons for Not Seeing Used/Free Size
There could be multiple reasons for not being able to see the used/free size of a disk partition in Explorer Administrator. We will discuss some common causes and potential solutions.
Incorrect File System Permissions
Incorrect file system permissions could prevent you from accessing a disk partition and seeing its used/free size. To resolve this issue, you need to adjust the permissions for the partition:
-
Right-click on the partition, select
"Properties"and navigate to the"Security"tab. -
Verify the user account or group has
"Full control"permission. -
If the user account or group does not have full control, click
"Edit", then"Add", and input the user account or group. -
Set the user account or group to have
"Full control"and click"OK"to apply the changes.
Corrupted File System
A corrupted file system may also cause issues when trying to view a partition's used/free size. Running a chkdsk command can help fix this issue:
-
Press
"Win + X"and select"Command Prompt (Admin)"or"PowerShell (Admin)". -
Type
"chkdskand press: /f" "Enter". Replace"with the affected partition's drive letter, and then restart the computer to run the check."
Additional Information
This article has provided an overview of the topic "Cannot access disk partition, see used/free size in Explorer Administrator." We have discussed the key concept of NTFS system permissions and explored the reasons for not seeing the used/free size in disk partitions.
References
- Book: "Windows Server 2019 Inside Out" by Orin Thomas, et al.
- Article: "chkdsk" by Microsoft Docs.
- Online Resource: "Access is denied when copying files in Windows 10"