Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Use fsutil fsinfo drives in Command Prompt for a quick list of drive letters. Use DiskPart when you need physical disks, partitions, volumes, or virtual disks. In PowerShell, Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem shows ordinary filesystem drives in the current session, while Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_LogicalDisk adds labels, type values, capacity, and free space.
These commands answer different questions. A drive letter such as C: identifies a logical location; a DiskPart disk number identifies physical storage; and a PowerShell provider drive can represent something that is not a disk at all. Choose the command that matches the object you need to inspect.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which Windows command should I use to list drives?
The shortest choice depends on whether you need letters, physical hardware, or detailed logical-disk data.
| Command or method | What it lists | Best use | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
fsutil fsinfo drives |
Drive letters known to Windows | Fast inventory from Command Prompt | It does not map partitions to physical disks. |
DiskPart, list disk |
Physical disks | Disk numbers, sizes, partition style, and state | Requires administrative rights. |
DiskPart, list volume |
Volumes | Volume-level inspection | A volume list is not a physical-disk list. |
Get-PSDrive |
Drives exposed by the current PowerShell session | Filesystem, mapped, provider, and temporary PowerShell drives | It can include non-filesystem providers. |
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem |
Filesystem-provider drives | Drive letters and filesystem mappings | Results are specific to the account and session context. |
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_LogicalDisk |
Windows logical-disk objects | Drive IDs, type values, labels, size, and free space | Logical disks are different objects from physical disks. |
How do I list drive letters in Command Prompt?
Open Command Prompt and run fsutil fsinfo drives. It prints the drive letters that Windows currently knows about, making it useful when you need a quick inventory before troubleshooting a game installation, backup disk, or removable drive.
Popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- Open Command Prompt. For the documented
fsutiloperation, use an elevated window if Windows reports that permission is required. - Enter the command:
fsutil fsinfo drivesThe result is a compact list of paths such as C: or D:. The command identifies letters, not the physical device, partition table, volume label, capacity, or free-space amount behind each letter.
How can I identify what type of drive a letter represents?
Run fsutil fsinfo drivetype followed by the letter and colon:
fsutil fsinfo drivetype C:Windows reports the supported category for that path, such as fixed, removable, network, or CD-ROM. Replace C: with another letter when checking a different location. This is a per-drive query; it does not produce a complete disk-and-partition map.
How do I see physical disks and volumes from Command Prompt?
Use DiskPart when the question is about storage hardware or its volume structure rather than just drive letters. DiskPart separates physical disks, partitions, volumes, and virtual disks into different listing commands.
- Open an elevated Command Prompt. Microsoft states that you must belong to the local Administrators group, or an equivalent group, to run DiskPart.
- Start DiskPart:
diskpart- List physical disks:
list disk- List volumes:
list volume- Leave DiskPart when finished:
exitlist disk is the appropriate view for disk numbers, reported sizes, partition style, and state. list volume is the appropriate view for volumes, which may have drive letters, labels, or no letter assigned.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How do I list partitions on one disk?
DiskPart applies list partition to the disk currently in focus. Select the disk first, then request its partitions:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteselect disk 0
list partitionReplace 0 with the disk number shown by list disk. Selecting an object changes DiskPart’s focus. Read every prompt and output carefully; listing is safe, but DiskPart also contains commands that can modify or erase storage when used incorrectly.
How do I list virtual disks?
Inside DiskPart, use list vdisk to list attached or selected virtual disks. This is a separate object view from both list disk and list volume. A virtual disk can contain volumes that appear in the volume listing, so use both views when tracing how a virtual storage file relates to its mounted volumes.
What does the asterisk in DiskPart mean?
DiskPart marks the object currently in focus with an asterisk. Check that focus before running any command that selects, changes, or removes storage objects.
How do I list drives in PowerShell?
Run Get-PSDrive to see the drives exposed in the current PowerShell session.
Also popular on Amazon
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Get-PSDriveMicrosoft defines a PowerShell drive as a data-store location that can be accessed like a filesystem drive in PowerShell. Consequently, the output is broader than the drive letters visible in File Explorer. Depending on the session, it can include filesystem locations, mapped drives, and drives created by PowerShell providers.
PowerShell provider entries can include names such as Alias:, Cert:, Env:, Function:, HKCU:, HKLM:, and Variable:. These are PowerShell locations, not additional physical disks. Provider-created drives are available within PowerShell and cannot be opened through Command Prompt or File Explorer as if they were ordinary volumes.
How do I show only filesystem drives in PowerShell?
Add the filesystem provider filter:
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystemThis removes registry, alias, environment, certificate, function, variable, and other non-filesystem provider entries. It is the most direct PowerShell answer when you want drive letters and filesystem mappings rather than every provider location.
The cmdlet reports drives in the current session. A mapped drive created for another user, or visible in a non-elevated window but not an elevated one, may not appear. Run the command under the same account and elevation context as the application or script you are troubleshooting.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How do I list drive type, label, capacity, and free space?
Query the Windows Win32_LogicalDisk class through CIM and select the fields you need:
Also popular on Amazon
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_LogicalDisk |
Select-Object DeviceID, DriveType, VolumeName, Size, FreeSpaceThe output returns the logical drive identifier, a numeric drive-type value, the volume label, total size, and available free space. This is useful when a drive letter alone is not enough—for example, when checking whether a game library is on the expected volume or whether a target volume has sufficient free space.
Because this query returns logical-disk objects, it should not be used as a replacement for DiskPart’s physical-disk view. One physical disk can contain several volumes, and a logical volume may have no direct one-to-one relationship with a disk number.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why does a drive appear in one command but not another?
Different commands enumerate different object models and contexts. A missing result is often a scope mismatch rather than a missing device.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A drive letter is absent from PowerShell
Check the account and elevation level first. Persistent network mappings are user-specific, and temporary drives created with New-PSDrive exist only in the session where they were created. Open PowerShell with the same user identity and elevation state used by the program that needs the mapping, then run the filesystem-filtered query again.
A disk appears in DiskPart but has no drive letter
Compare list disk with list volume. The first confirms that Windows sees a physical disk; the second shows whether its volumes have letters. A disk can be present while a volume has no assigned letter, so a drive-letter command alone cannot prove that the hardware is absent.
Also popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
PowerShell shows extra “drives” that File Explorer cannot open
Review the provider name in Get-PSDrive. Registry, certificate, environment, alias, function, and variable providers are PowerShell data stores, not filesystem volumes. Use -PSProvider FileSystem when your task concerns ordinary storage.
What is the safest workflow for checking storage?
Start with a read-only inventory and move to a more detailed view only when necessary.
- In Command Prompt, run
fsutil fsinfo drivesto see known drive letters. - For one letter, run
fsutil fsinfo drivetype X:, replacingX:with the target. - In PowerShell, run
Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystemto check filesystem mappings in the current session. - Run the CIM query when you need labels, type values, size, or free space.
- Open elevated DiskPart only when you need physical-disk, partition, volume, or virtual-disk structure.
- Use
list disk,list volume, and, after selecting the correct disk,list partition. Exit withexitwhen finished.
Do not confuse a drive letter with a disk number. Record both when reporting a storage problem, because support instructions may refer to either a logical volume or the physical disk that contains it.
Which command is best for common Windows and gaming tasks?
| Your question | Use this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “What drive letters are available?” | fsutil fsinfo drives |
Fast Command Prompt inventory. |
| “Is this letter fixed, removable, network, or optical?” | fsutil fsinfo drivetype X: |
Checks one drive’s category. |
| “How many physical disks are installed?” | DiskPart, list disk |
Shows physical disk objects. |
| “Which volumes are on that disk?” | DiskPart, list volume |
Shows volume-level assignments. |
| “Why does PowerShell show registry or environment entries?” | Get-PSDrive |
It lists provider-backed locations, not only storage. |
| “What filesystem drives exist in this session?” | Get-PSDrive -PSProvider FileSystem |
Filters the result to filesystem locations. |
| “How much space is free on each logical drive?” | Get-CimInstance -Class Win32_LogicalDisk | Select-Object DeviceID,DriveType,VolumeName,Size,FreeSpace |
Returns the requested logical-disk fields. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a temporary PowerShell drive survive after I close PowerShell?
A drive created inside a PowerShell session is session-scoped unless you deliberately create a persistent mapping by another method. If it disappears in a new window, compare the two sessions rather than assuming the underlying storage was disconnected.
Why does DiskPart show an asterisk beside a disk or volume?
The asterisk marks the object currently in focus. It is a selection indicator, so verify the focused object before entering any DiskPart command that could change storage.
Does a drive letter prove that Windows has only one volume on the disk?
No. A single physical disk can contain multiple volumes, and each volume may have its own letter or no letter at all. Use DiskPart’s separate disk and volume listings to see that relationship.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCan I use provider names such as HKCU: in File Explorer?
No. Those names represent PowerShell providers, such as the registry, and are available inside PowerShell rather than as ordinary filesystem paths. Filter to the FileSystem provider when you need locations that Explorer and Command Prompt can use.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
