Scanner

Scanner, developed by Steffen Gerlach, is highlighted in the latest version 12.1 as an essential free utility designed to analyze and manage disk space precisely. The program download includes various file names like WIAACMGR.EXE, Scanner2.exe, Scanner1.exe, Scanner.exe, and Scanner 7.0.exe. A notable advantage is its compatibility with a wide range of Windows OS—XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11.

In the realm of Development Tools, specifically in the Help subcategory, Scanner effortlessly stands out by offering a visual representation of your storage through a sophisticated sunburst chart. This chart efficiently displays the usage of your hard disk, clearly showing all major files and folders across different directory levels. Unlike the default Windows disk scanning tools, Scanner delivers a more comprehensive view, utilizing a multi-level chart to exhibit each file and directory's space usage, making it an accessible tool even for non-tech-savvy users.

The program isn't limited to the latest version 12.1; users can opt for other versions like 12.1, 2.4, and 2.1. The lightweight and portable nature of this software signifies it doesn’t necessitate an installation. Users can simply unpack its ZIP file and run its EXE file—the program efficiently scans the PC and represents large files in colored concentric circles, commonly referred to as a “sunburst chart.”

One of the program’s strongest features is its ability to show disk space utilization in a visual and intuitive manner. Users can hover over particular circles to reveal folder paths, total sizes, and total number of files. The software also includes shortcuts to add and delete programs and empty the recycled bin, directly from the user interface. Despite these strong functionalities, the tool doesn't include some advanced features like generating a full statistical report, which some users might find useful.

Pros:

1. Free and easy download process.
2. Compatible with many Windows versions.
3. Simple yet intuitive visual representation of disk usage.
4. Portable and doesn’t require installation.
5. Efficient interface with useful shortcuts.

Cons:

1. Lack of advanced features, such as full report generation for sharing or printing.
2. Limited to disk space analysis without extensive diagnostic details.

It is not possible to confirm if there is a free download for this software available on the developer's website. According to the results of the Google Safe Browsing check, the developer's site is safe. Despite this, we recommend checking the downloaded files with any free antivirus software.

You may want to check out more software, such as USB-COM-Scanner-Driver, Scanner for Remote Desktop or Path Scanner, which might be related to Scanner.