How to Clean Up the WinSxS Folder on Windows

What Causes This?

The WinSxS folder stores Windows component files used for updates, repairs, rollbacks, and optional features. Over time, it grows as Windows keeps older component versions after cumulative updates and feature changes. That does not always mean all of the space is actively wasted, but outdated components and superseded update files can build up and consume a noticeable amount of disk space.

Common Symptoms

• Your C: drive keeps losing free space after Windows updates
• Storage settings shows system files using a large amount of space
• The C:\Windows\WinSxS folder appears unusually large
• Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense does not seem to reclaim enough space
• Low disk space warnings appear on a small SSD

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check your available disk space first

   • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
   • Select This PC.
   • Look at the free space on your Local Disk (C:) so you can compare before and after cleanup.

2. Run the built-in Component Store cleanup

   • Click Start, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Enter this command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

   • Wait for the process to finish. This removes older component versions that Windows no longer needs.

3. Use a deeper cleanup if disk space is very low

   • In the same elevated Command Prompt, run:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase

   • This can free more space by removing superseded component versions permanently.
   • Important: After using /ResetBase, you will not be able to uninstall existing Windows updates that are currently installed.

4. Run Disk Cleanup for update-related files

   • Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.
   • Select drive C: and click OK.
   • Click Clean up system files.
   • Select C: again if prompted.
   • Check items such as:
     • Windows Update Cleanup
     • Temporary Windows installation files
     • Delivery Optimization Files
     • Temporary files
   • Click OK, then Delete Files.

5. Restart your PC

   • Click Start > Power > Restart.
   • A restart helps Windows finish cleanup tasks and release space that may still be in use.

6. Verify the result

   • Open File Explorer again with Windows + E.
   • Go back to This PC and compare your free disk space.
   • If you still see low space, check Settings > System > Storage for other large categories like temporary files, apps, or hibernation data.

7. Avoid manually deleting files from WinSxS

   • Do not delete files directly from C:\Windows\WinSxS.
   • Removing files by hand can break Windows updates, repairs, and built-in features. Always use DISM or Disk Cleanup instead.

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