The problem gets compounded by the fact that the WinSxS folder is used to store so many files. While this is a pretty simplified description of the WinSxS folder, the general idea I want to convey here is that the WinSxS folder can grow so large that it takes up a good chunk of hard disk space. Furthermore, many Windows updates are designed such that if they do cause unanticipated compatibility problems, they can be uninstalled and the files can be reverted to a previous state. To make sure that the updates don’t cause compatibility problems, all kinds of duplicate files get stored in the WinSxS folder so that everything can continue to function correctly. As you probably know from firsthand experience, Microsoft releases a multitude of updates every month to keep up with bugs, new applications, and security problems, just to name a few of the reasons for regular updates. (WinSxS is short for Windows Side-by-Side and refers to using files with the same name but with different version numbers at the same time in the operating system.)Īs things evolved, the WinSxS folder also became the perfect place to store files added to the operating system by Windows Update. Windows PowerToys 0.62.0 adds three new utilities to the Windows power user toolkitĭefend your network with Microsoft outside-in security servicesīy the time Windows Vista was introduced, Microsoft had solved the problem by creating a new technology called componentization, which uses a folder called WinSxS, which allows the operating system to store and keep track of all kinds of operating system files, DLLs included, with the same name but different versions. Since the version was different, the application would act strangely or crash altogether. For example, an application would look for a specific version of a DLL file, but find a newer version that was recently updated by another program. These duplicate files would wreak havoc with applications and the operating system. This situation arose when you installed different programs that included updated versions of DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files with the same name as files already on the system. If you used the Windows operating system back in the Windows 9.x days, you’re familiar with the term DLL Hell.
#Clean disk update#
Note: Before you attempt any of the steps shown in this article, I recommend that you restart your system to ensure that any pending Windows Update operations are complete and to ensure you are beginning with a clean slate. As I do, I’ll give you a little background on the types of files that this tool is designed to remove from your hard disk. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Disk Cleanup tool and then focus in on the Clean Up System Files feature. This feature is designed to help you regain valuable hard disk space by removing system files that are no longer necessary to the functioning of the operating system–old installation files, Windows Update leftovers, and outdated device drivers, just to name a few.
#Clean disk full#
Windows 10 has a feature built into the Disk Cleanup tool called Clean Up System Files that not many people take full advantage of.
Get rid of unnecessary files with the help of the Clean Up System Files feature.
#Clean disk how to#
How to clean up system files with the Windows 10 Disk Cleanup tool
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