Short answer
Most Windows 10 and 11 PCs need WinDirStat-x64.msi. Open Settings > System > About and read System type: "x64-based processor" means the x64 MSI, "ARM-based processor" means WinDirStat-arm64.msi, and a 32-bit operating system means WinDirStat-x86.msi. If you cannot install software on this computer, take the portable WinDirStat.zip instead.
How do I find the right WinDirStat file for my PC?
- Open About. Press Win+I, choose System, then About at the bottom of the list.
- Read System type. Under Device specifications, note whether it says x64-based or ARM-based processor, and 64-bit or 32-bit operating system.
- Check if you can install. If Windows asks for an administrator password you do not have when you install apps, plan on the portable zip.
- Pick the matching file. Use the table below to match System type to a WinDirStat file.
- Or let winget choose. Paste the winget command from the install box; it picks the x64, ARM64 or x86 MSI for this PC by itself.
How do I tell if my PC is x64 or ARM?
Windows states it in Settings > System > About, under Device specifications, in the line called System type. An Intel Core, Core Ultra, Pentium, Celeron or AMD Ryzen processor is x64; a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is ARM. In Windows 7 the same information is in Control Panel > System. If the line says 32-bit operating system, the x86 file is the only MSI that will install, whatever the processor.
Does it matter which WinDirStat file I take?
It matters for speed and for whether the installer runs at all. The x86 MSI installs on 64-bit Windows too, but it puts a 32-bit program in Program Files (x86) when a native 64-bit build is available. The x64 MSI will not install on 32-bit Windows. On Windows on ARM the arm64 build runs natively, while the x64 build runs under emulation. Everything else is the same across the three: the same views, the same settings and the same WinDirStat.exe name. The README calls the 64-bit MSI the safe choice when you are not sure, and it fits most PCs.
What if this computer blocks installing programs?
The MSI installs for all users, so Windows asks for administrator approval. On a work or school PC without that right, the portable WinDirStat.zip is the way in: unpack it into your own folder and run the exe from the x64, arm64 or x86 subfolder. It scans your own files normally. Without administrator rights it cannot use accelerated whole-drive scanning or read protected system folders, so drive totals may show an Unknown block. The portable or MSI guide explains portable mode and settings.
Can I just let winget decide?
Yes, and it is the simplest option when winget is available. The WinDirStat.WinDirStat package lists an x86, an x64 and an ARM64 installer, and winget reads the PC's architecture and downloads the matching one from the GitHub release. It still needs administrator approval, because it runs the same per-machine MSI. If the Run box cannot find winget, install winget first. Checked against WinDirStat 2.9.0.
| System type in Settings | File to download | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor | WinDirStat-x64.msi (2.3 MB) | Almost every Intel and AMD desktop and laptop |
| 64-bit operating system, ARM-based processor | WinDirStat-arm64.msi (2.2 MB) | Snapdragon laptops, Surface Pro with an ARM chip |
| 32-bit operating system | WinDirStat-x86.msi (2.2 MB) | Old installs of Windows 7, 8 or 10 |
| Any type, no admin rights | WinDirStat.zip (3.4 MB) | Unpack, then open the folder that matches the rows above |
| Managed with MSIX or App Installer | WinDirStat_x86_x64_arm64.msixbundle | Windows picks the right package inside the bundle |
Files and sizes from the release/v2.9.0 release; recommendations from the WinDirStat README download table.
Frequently asked questions
Will the x64 WinDirStat run on an ARM laptop?
Windows on ARM can emulate x64 programs, so it will usually start, but it runs slower and uses more battery than the native build. Take WinDirStat-arm64.msi, which the README recommends for Windows on ARM devices including newer Surface models.
Does WinDirStat run on Windows 7 or Windows Server?
Yes. The README lists Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 plus Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025 as the systems WinDirStat 2.x is developed and tested on. Older and newer systems may work but are not supported.