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Windows · SpaceSniffer 2.2.0.27

Analyze Virtual Machine Storage

Quick answer: SpaceSniffer can show how much host disk space virtual machines and snapshots occupy.

Use this workflow on an authorized Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. SpaceSniffer shows a size-proportional view of storage; always inspect the source file in Windows before changing or deleting it.

Step-by-step workflow

  1. Scan the host drive.
  2. locate VM folders.
  3. identify large VHDX/VMDK and snapshot paths.
  4. use hypervisor management tools for cleanup..

How to verify the result

VM disk and snapshot folders can be ranked by size.

Important limitationRemoving VM snapshot files manually can corrupt a running virtual machine.

Why this matters

SpaceSniffer is a visualization tool, not a diagnosis of file necessity. The important outcome is an identifiable path and measurable file size, checked against the same Windows volume and with permission to inspect it. If the scan is incomplete, report that limitation instead of treating missing paths as zero bytes.

More targeted troubleshooting

If the result differs from what File Explorer reports, clear the filter field, allow scanning to finish and check the permissions of the specific directory. Repeat on a smaller known folder when you need to isolate a scanning limitation. Always distinguish a changed treemap view from an actual change in free space.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step for analyze virtual machine storage?

Scan the host drive.

How do I check the result?

VM disk and snapshot folders can be ranked by size.

What should I avoid?

Removing VM snapshot files manually can corrupt a running virtual machine.

Related Windows topics

Sources and further reading

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