How to Turn On or Off Compact OS in Windows 11

What is Compact OS?

Compact OS reduces the size of Windows system files. This feature compresses files, similar to vacuum-sealing clothes to save closet space. Activating Compact OS causes Windows to keep files compressed and to save more space when updating files.

Learn more about Compact OS from Microsoft

Important Things to Know

• Admin privileges required — You must be logged in as an administrator to make these changes.
• This process takes time — Windows needs a few minutes to compress or uncompress your files, so be patient.

Step 1Check if Compact OS is On or Off

Checking if Compact OS is already on or off in Windows 11 is the first step before you change anything, helping you decide if you need to save disk space.

What happens: A message will appear telling you if Compact OS is on or off.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button.
2. Type Windows Terminal.
3. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator. ⚠️ Admin privileges required
4. In the window that opens, copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   
   compact /compactos:query
5. Read the message:

   • If it says “Compact OS is enabled.” — it’s turned on.
   • If it says “Compact OS is disabled.” — it’s turned off.
6. Close Windows Terminal when done.

Step 2How to Turn On Compact OS

Turning on Compact OS in Windows 11 is a simple way to free up storage space by compressing your system files, which can save you gigabytes of room.

What happens: Windows will compress your system files, which takes some time.

1. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator (follow Step 1 above). ⚠️ Admin privileges required
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   
   compact /compactos:always
3. Wait while Windows compresses your files. This may take several minutes.
4. Close the window when finished.

Step 3How to Turn Off Compact OS

You might need to turn off Compact OS in Windows 11 if you notice performance issues or want your files back to their normal size, and this guide shows you how.

1. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator. ⚠️ Admin privileges required
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   
   compact /compactos:never
3. Wait while Windows uncompresses the files. This can take several minutes.
4. Close the window when done.

Summary

• You must have administrator access to use Compact OS.
• Compact OS saves disk space by squeezing Windows system files smaller.
• Use these simple commands in Windows Terminal:
  • Check status: compact /compactos:query
  • Turn on : compact /compactos:always
  • Turn off : compact /compactos:never
• Be patient — compressing or uncompressing files takes time.
• Always check the status after running a command to make sure it worked.

Compact OS management in Windows 11 requires administrator access. Users employ simple commands within Windows Terminal to check Compact OS status, activate Compact OS, or deactivate Compact OS.