Windows Latest: How to See File Sizes in MB and GB in Windows 11

If you've opened File Explorer recently and noticed that the Size column in Details view no longer shows everything in kilobytes, you're not imagining things. Microsoft has quietly changed how file sizes are displayed in Windows 11, and it's a change that many users have been waiting for.

File Explorer now shows sizes in KB, MB, or GB

For years, File Explorer's Details view displayed every file size in kilobytes, regardless of whether the file was a small text document or a massive video file. That meant a 10GB file would show up as a string of digits in KB, which was especially annoying when you were trying to clean up your drives.

Microsoft has now updated File Explorer to display file sizes in appropriate units (KB, MB, or GB) in the Details view. The change was confirmed in the release notes for Windows 11 KB5101684, where Microsoft stated: "File sizes in the Details view now display using appropriate units (KB, MB, GB) instead of KB-only, making them easier to understand at a glance."

This doesn't mean File Explorer will stop showing sizes in KB altogether. It will still use kilobytes when that makes sense—for example, a 10KB file will still be displayed as 10KB. The goal is to make file sizes easier to understand, especially for casual users who may not be comfortable converting KB to GB in their heads.

How to switch back to KB-only view

If you prefer the old KB-only display, you might be wondering how to revert. Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn't provided a specific toggle in the release notes, and the sources don't detail exact steps. However, you can try adjusting File Explorer's folder options. In File Explorer, click the three-dot menu in the toolbar, select Options, and look for any setting related to file size units. If you don't see one, you may need to wait for a future update that adds this option, or use a third-party tool that can customize the Details view.

It's worth noting that this change is part of Microsoft's broader effort to make Windows 11 more approachable for everyone, including those who have recently switched from another platform. The company is clearly paying attention to user feedback on even the smallest details.

OneDrive Photos: A new app that appeared on your PC

While you're exploring File Explorer, you might also notice a new app in your Start menu: OneDrive Photos. This app has been quietly installed on many Windows 11 PCs, either via Windows Update or an update to the OneDrive sync client. It shows up in the Start menu and Windows Search even if you haven't signed in to a Microsoft account.

OneDrive Photos lets you view and edit any photos you've stored in OneDrive, whether they're on your PC or in the cloud. It also uses facial recognition to group photos of the same people, which can be handy for organizing your library. However, the app has raised eyebrows because it appears to have been installed without explicit user consent, and it's based on WebView2, meaning it's not a native app.

Microsoft has acknowledged the rollout, stating: "OneDrive Photos is already generally available today, and we're now previewing its new gallery as 'Photos (Preview)' for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel." But many users on regular production builds have received it, which has led to confusion.

How to remove OneDrive Photos

If you don't want OneDrive Photos on your PC, you can uninstall it. The sources don't provide detailed step-by-step instructions, but you can try the following general approach: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, search for "OneDrive Photos," and click Uninstall. If that doesn't work, you may need to use PowerShell to remove it, but be careful—only use commands you understand.

It's also worth checking your OneDrive settings to see if there's an option to disable the Photos app. Some users have reported that simply signing out of OneDrive or disabling the backup feature can prevent the app from appearing.

What this means for Windows 11 users

These changes show that Microsoft is actively tweaking Windows 11 based on user feedback, even if some of those tweaks are controversial. The File Explorer size display change is a welcome improvement for most users, while the OneDrive Photos app is a reminder that Microsoft is keen to integrate its cloud services deeper into the OS.

If you're looking for more ways to manage your Windows 11 experience, check out our guide on how medical centers are embracing AI and telehealth in 2026—it shows how technology is evolving across different sectors. And for a look at how AI is affecting other areas, see how technology is changing legal outcomes.

Ultimately, the File Explorer change is a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement. And if you're not a fan of OneDrive Photos, you now know how to get rid of it. Keep an eye on future Windows updates—Microsoft is clearly listening, even if it sometimes takes a while.