How to Clean the WinSxS Folder

The WinSxS folder at:

C:\Windows\WinSxS

is huge and will continue to get bigger the more updates have been installed on your system. If you’re using a build that updates read on. The WinSxS folder contains old versions and system components. This folder also contains files for uninstalled and or disabled Windows components. Component files elsewhere in Windows are links to files contained in the WinSxS folder. The WinSxS folder contains every operating system file, meaning any updates will increase the size of this folder. What this large folder does is allow you to uninstall updates which can be useful in the case of a bad update, however this feature is sparingly used. First visit the folder:

C:\Windows\WinSxS

If you’re using Windows 10 and your folder is clean it should be around 7 gig. Programs like Windows 10 Manager and AusLogics BoostSpeed will clean this folder for you but there are others. Windows Disk Cleanup will do a average job but the easiest way to do it by yourself is in command prompt. To clean the folder it’s a good idea to backup your system but it’s not required. Note the size of the folder first, then open up an admin command prompt. Copy and paste the following command:

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

(hit enter of course)

After the above command runs use this next command (Note: be patient a large folder take time to clean!)

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase

And then finally the third and final command

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /SPSuperseded

Note the size of the folder again and see how much space you saved!