How to clean up WinSxS folder in Windows 10

The WinSxS folder is the Component Store located in your C:\Windows directory where core Windows files reside including the bits needed to turn on and off any Windows features you enable from the Control Panel. Not only are these files critical to the operation of Windows 10 but when updates to Windows are installed, these files get updated. Every time you receive updates for the OS, the WinSxS folder dramatically grows in size. A commonly asked question by many people is "Why is the WinSxS folder so big?" Here is how you can clean up the WinSxS folder and reduce its size in Windows 10.

Cleaning up the Component Store can be done as follows:

  1. Open an elevated command instance.
  2. Type the following command:
    cleanmgr
  3. The Disk Cleanup dialog will appear. Tick the item called "Windows Update Cleanup":

That's it. This will remove files which are not critical to the functioning of the operating system and which are used only as a reserve copy of the upgraded system components. Your WinSxS folder in Windows 10 will be reduced in size. You have to remember however that after performing this cleanup, you will not be able to uninstall any of the updates currently installed.

Support us

Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:

If you like this article, please share it using the buttons below. It won't take a lot from you, but it will help us grow. Thanks for your support!

Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube.

4 thoughts on “How to clean up WinSxS folder in Windows 10”

  1. Another method to clean up is to execute the following command (from an elevated command) :
    dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase

    Do you agree, Sergey ?

    1. i have an error message that says the operation couldnt be completed due to pending operations. please help. my storage space is running low and most of the stuff i have is important.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Exit mobile version
Using Telegram? Subscribe to the blog channel!
Hello. Add your message here.