1GB "Phantom" Data on Non-System Drive (G:), Unseen by TreeSize/FolderSize

Question

I'm running into a strange issue on one of my non-system partitions, Drive G:.

The Problem:

The total partition size is approximately 80GB.

Windows reports that the drive is using about 1GB of capacity (e.g., 79GB free of 80GB).

However, the partition is supposed to be completely empty—I've deleted all the files on it.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

I have used TreeSize and FolderSize (or similar tools) to scan the entire drive.

Both programs report the drive contains 0 bytes or an amount negligibly close to zero, completely contradicting the 1GB usage reported by Windows.

The drive (G:) is not the main Windows installation partition and doesn't contain any system or program files.

The Dilemma:

I can't figure out what is consuming that 1GB of space or how to reveal the files/structures responsible for it. It seems to be hidden from standard file system scanning tools.

What I'm Looking For:

Has anyone encountered this specific issue? What are some common (or uncommon) culprits for hidden space usage that size on a non-system partition? Specifically, how can I bypass Windows' limitations to view or delete whatever is consuming that 1GB?

even if it's Hibernate, File System, Header or PageFile It should be some way to make them visible. and folderSize and TreeSize Usually show theme all in theire results. while this time their result is also Empty

I got Tired of Gemini for asking me same things again and again
while I told it, I've Already Done that

Answer 1

Hi Navid,

I'm Sumit, here to assist with your question.

Apologies for any inconvenience - I'm happy to help you today.

I wonder if it is Restore points data or Virtual memory.

Starting with the basics, do this:

Press Win+E to open File Explorer.

To show hidden items only: Windows 10 — on the View ribbon check Hidden items. Windows 11 — View → Show → Hidden items (enable).

To show protected OS files: In File Explorer click View → Options → Change folder and search options → View tab, clear Hide protected operating system files (Recommended), confirm the warning with Yes, then click Apply and OK.

Let me know if any folder appears.

I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

Answer 2

Hello and Thanks for your Answer • Show Hidden Files, Folders, .. (Enabled) • Hide Protected File Systeme .. (Disabled) Result: only few small folders that won't sum up to 1KB

when I said I tried TreeSize mean this Basic stuff won't Just work.

I used to work with FolderSize which is almost same thing. This are files FolderSize will show if it find some but not in this Case Recycle Bin Files Found.000 Page System Files Hibernate Files

Hidden Files

what i see now:

• $RECYCLE.BIN (128 bytes)

• Recycler (63 bytes)

• System Volume Information (0 bytes)

Disk Clean up:

• DirectX Shader ... (0 bytes)

• Recycle Bin (0 bytes)

I Tried "Error Checking" (old Disk Check Tool in windows 7)

Assuming it might be sectors Error

Still 1GB in Use

Tried Diffragmenting Tool

show OK and 0% for All partitions

but this one show Need Optimization (16% Fragmented)

But when I Press Optimze Still show same Text

Last option is to format the Partition

But that Kills All Files

I'm really curious that what could make such thing to happen

A bug, Error, Mal-Function or what ...

I can send you the Screenshot of these Things if you need it Thanks