Using Folder Properties to Count the Number of Files or Folders

We have discussed two ways to count the number of files and subfolders within a folder or directory. The first methodutilized PowerShell, Microsoft's newest and more powerful command-line editor. The second method discussed using the Command Line . This is the older, but more-often known command line editor. Both of these methods work fast and, depending on the command, provide the information you are looking for.

Some individuals may find using a command line function to be intimidating, and not something they want to mess with. If you fall into that group, you are not alone. Even so, you can still obtain a count of the number of items within a folder.

This method is done without ever needing to launch a program or application, so no additional software is needed. To obtain the counts, follow these steps:

1. Open an Explorer window that contains the folder or directory for which you want counts.
2. Right-click on the folder or directory. Windows display a Context menu.
3. Select "Properties" at the bottom of the Context menu. This opens the Properties window for that specific folder. Alternatively, you can select the folder or directory and press Alt+Enter to open the Properties window.
4. Under the General tab, you will see the "Contains" section. Here you will find the number of files and folders. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. A folder's Properties window showing the number of files and folders.

5. Close the Properties window when done.

While this method is fast and easy, there are a few things to bear in mind when using this technique. First, the counts provided in this manner have been known to not always be accurate. Depending on your version of Windows, this feature can be buggy and incorrect. If you are needing to know the number of files or folders within a folder or directory for moving, backup, or a critical reason, it is recommended to try using the PowerShell or Command Line methods mentioned earlier and compare the results. The second item to keep in mind is that, by default, the Properties window does not include hidden items in its counts; you can include these by checking the box next to "Hidden" within the properties window.

 This tip (9965) applies to Windows 10.