However, File Explorer doesn’t tell you what exactly the WinSxS folder is for. Vista was the first Windows platform to include that folder, which is also in 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows 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. You can open the WinSxS in File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E hotkey. Then open the C:Windows folder. Click the WinSxS folder there to open it. Right-click the WinSxS folder and select Properties to open the window shown directly below.

The General tab above shows the folder’s size. That folder size figure will increase for some time after you open the General tab. WinSxS is a massive folder that takes up a lot of hard drive space. It might hog more than 16 GB 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 WinSxS folder. However, there are a couple of safe ways users can clean up WinSxS to free up some disk storage space.

How can I reduce the WinSxS folder size?

1. Clean WinSxS with Disk Cleanup

Problems deleting all your junk files? Follow this guide to solve Disk Cleanup issues and save your drive.

Clean WinSxS with the Deployment Image utility

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide. It seems that everything is lost when DISM fails on Windows? Check out this quick guide and get rid of the worries. 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 some third-party software that profess 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. RECENT ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT:

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