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WinSxS Folder: What is it and how to Clean it up
Everything you need to manage the WinSxS folder
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Some users have spotted the WinSxS folder within the Windows folder in File Explorer. That much makes it clear that WinSxS is a Windows system folder (or subfolder).
However, users are looking to clean this folder, as it is usually huge and consumes a considerable amount of memory. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the folder and how to manage it.
What is the purpose of WinSxS?
Vista was the first Windows platform to include that folder, which is also in 7, 8, 8.1, andWindows 10.
The WinSxS folder is a depository for all Windows system components. To be more specific, it primarily consists of different versions of DLL, CSD, DLL.MUI, IMD, and other system files. The WinSxS folder is a native assembly cache for Windows.
WinSxS is a massive folder thattakes up a lot of hard drive space. It might hog more than 16 GB of hard drive space for some users as it retains older Windows components that aren’t needed alongside new component files.
Some users might then wonder what they can do to reduce WinSxS folder size. NEVER try to delete the folder. However, there are a couple of safe ways users can clean it up to free up somedisk storagespace.
How do I clear down WinSxS?
1. Clean WinSxS with Disk Cleanup
WinSxS retains old Windows update versions that you can erase and compress with the Disk Clean-up utility.
2. Clean WinSxS with the Deployment Image utility
Alternatively, you can clean up WinSxS with the Deployment Image command-line utility.
The above cleanup methods will reduce the amount of hard drive space WinSxS hogs. Then you’ll have more HDD space for software, documents, images, music, videos, etc.
You might be able to find somethird-party disk cleanup softwarethat professes to clean up WinSxS, but it’s best to stick with Windows’ built-in utilities.
If you have any more questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
