The “WinSxS” folder, also known as the Windows Side-by-Side folder, is a critical component of Windows operating systems starting from Windows Vista. It contains core system files, DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries), manifests, and other important resources required for the functioning of Windows, including maintaining compatibility with various software versions.
The WinSxS folder can grow quite large over time due to the accumulation of different versions of system files and components. This growth is primarily driven by the Windows Update mechanism, which often keeps multiple versions of files in the WinSxS folder to support system rollback, uninstallation of updates, and servicing operations.
Cleaning up the WinSxS folder manually is not recommended, as deleting files from this directory can potentially render your system unstable or unusable. However, Windows provides a built-in tool called “Disk Cleanup” (cleanmgr.exe) that can be used to safely remove unnecessary files, including those from the WinSxS folder, without compromising system integrity.
Here’s how you can use Disk Cleanup to clean up the WinSxS folder:
- Press the Windows key, type “Disk Cleanup,” and press Enter to open the Disk Cleanup utility.
- Select the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) and click OK.
- Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can free up.
- In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, click on “Clean up system files.”
- After the utility recalculates, check the box next to “Windows Update Cleanup” or “Windows Update Cleanup” if available. This will include files from the WinSxS folder.
- Click OK, and then click “Delete Files” to confirm.
It’s worth noting that while Disk Cleanup can remove some outdated system files, it won’t necessarily significantly reduce the size of the WinSxS folder. Windows includes built-in mechanisms to manage the size of the WinSxS folder automatically, such as the Component Store Cleanup task, which runs periodically to remove outdated or superseded components.
If you’re running low on disk space and need to free up more space, consider other options such as moving personal files to an external drive, uninstalling unnecessary programs, or using third-party disk cleaning utilities cautiously.