Once either option is selected, you should see the options to cleanup Service Pack Backup Files and Windows Update Cleanup like listed below. These two options will “safely” remove items from the WinSXS folder and free up space.
What is the use of WinSxS folder in Windows 2008?
The winsxs folder is designed to replace the traditional installation media (e.g. DVD) and it is what allows you to install extra features, software and roles on your Server 2008 machine without having to provide the installation media.
Why is WinSXS so big?
Why the WinSXS Folder Gets too Big The WinSXS folder contains every operating system file. When Windows installs updates, it drops the new Windows component in the WinSXS folder and keeps the old component in the WinSXS folder. This means that every Windows Update you install increases the size of your WinSXS folder.
What is WinSXS used for?
Windows uses a system folder called WinSxS to store files that are needed for your Windows installation, as well as backups or updates to those files. It’s a space hog, however, taking up several gigabytes of space and growing with each Windows Update you perform.
Can you run Disk Cleanup from CMD?
You can use the cleanmgr command to launch the Disk Cleanup tool using Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt, type cleanmgr, and hit Enter. In the Drive Selection window, select the drive you want to clean up and click OK. Next, in the Disk Cleanup window, select all the files you want to delete and click OK.
How to reduce WinSxS?
How to Shrink WinSxS Alternatively, you can also shrink the size of the WinSxS folder with the legacy Disk Cleanup tool using these steps: Open File Explorer. Click on This PC from the left pane. Under the “Devices and drives” section, right-click the “Local Disk” drive and select the Properties option. Click the General tab. Click the Disk Cleanup button. Click the Clean up system files button. See More….
How to delete WinSxS files?
To clean up the WinSxS folder with Storage sense, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on System. Click on Storage. Under the “Local Disk” section, click the Temporary files item. Quick tip: If you don’t see the item, click the Show more categories to find it. Clear the default selection. Check the Windows Update Cleanup option. Click the Remove files option.
How do I delete the WinSxS folder?
Use Disk Cleanup to Delete Old Updates From the SxS Folder. 1. Open the Disk Cleanup tool. You can do this by typing “disk cleanup” in the taskbar and clicking “Disk Cleanup”. 2. Click the “Cleanup system files” button. 3. Check the box next to “Windows Update Cleanup.”.
Can I delete WinSxS files?
You can’t just delete everything in the WinSxS folder, because some of those files are needed for Windows to run and update reliably. However, with Windows 7 and above you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to delete older versions of Windows updates you no longer need.
