How to Safely Reduce WinSxS Size in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to clean up or reduce the WinSxS folder size in Windows 11.

The component store (WinSxS folder) contains components that make up Windows and allow you to operate your system. If you need to roll back changes or repair corrupted files, these components are kept in this folder.

The folder is located at C:\Windows\WinSxS. Files in this folder might appear to be stored in more than one place in the operating system, but there’s usually only one copy of the file, and the rest are hard links.

If you’re running out of storage space on your Windows device, don’t delete the WinSxS folder; instead, reduce the size of the WinSxS folder using tools built into Windows.

Deleting files from the WinSxS folder or deleting the entire WinSxS folder may severely damage your system so that your PC might not boot and make it impossible to update.

Below is how to reduce the WinSxS folder size in Windows 11.

How to reduce the size of the WinSxS folder in Windows 11

As mentioned above, if you’re running out of storage space on your Windows device, don’t delete the WinSxS folder; instead, reduce the size of the WinSxS folder using tools built into Windows.

Below is how to reduce the WinSxS folder size in Windows 11.

One can use multiple ways and tools to clean up or reduce the WinSxS folder size.

One way is to use the Task Scheduler. The StartComponentCleanup task automatically cleans up components when the system isn’t used.

• If Task Scheduler is not open, click on Start, then search for Task Scheduler and open.

• Expand the console tree and navigate to Task Scheduler Library\Microsoft\Windows\Servicing\StartComponentCleanup.

• Under Selected Item, click Run.

Alternatively, open Windows Terminal as administrator, then run the commands below.

Using the /StartComponentCleanup parameter of Dism.exe on a running version of Windows 10 or later gives you similar results to running the StartComponentCleanup task in Task Scheduler.

First, open Windows Terminal as administrator and select either Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Run the commands below:

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Running the commands above with the /ResetBase parameter will remove all superseded versions of every component store component.

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

Using Disk Cleanup to reduce the size of the WinSxS folder

You can use Disk Cleanup to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your drives, which can help your PC run faster. It can delete temporary and system files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove other items you might no longer need.

The option to clean up updates helps reduce the size of the component store.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• The WinSxS folder is crucial to properly functioning your Windows system; deleting it or its contents can severely damage your PC.
• Utilize built-in tools such as Task Scheduler and Disk Cleanup to safely manage and reduce the WinSxS folder’s size.
• Regular maintenance using these tools will help keep your system running smoothly and prevent storage space issues.