The WinSxS folder is located on drive C in the Windows directory and is used to reserve storage of previously installed versions of system components. Its volume can be huge, often several gigabytes. Some users may be annoyed by this fact, and some (on computers with a small volume hard drive) - you just need to somehow save space, including by reducing the volume of this folder. Fortunately, now, due to the significant volume of modern disks (several terabytes), this problem is almost no longer relevant, and many may not even think about how to reduce this folder.
Why is it so big and constantly growing?
We immediately warn that it is extremely Not recommended delete something from this folder manually standard method. Some even ask if it is possible to completely delete this folder? The unequivocal answer is no, by no means. This will almost certainly lead not only to system errors, but it can also cause irreparable harm to the system up to until it can't be started. further.
However, it is quite possible to reduce its volume in reasonable ways without prejudice to the OS. Tips regarding cleaning methods will be described below for various operating systems: Windows 7, 8, 10. But you should not expect any special miracles, you can’t usually reduce the volume of this folder much, most often such cleaning will be limited to several hundred megabytes, but in some cases you can and save a couple of gigabytes.
During windows updates, obsolete file versions and information about changes saved in this folder. This is useful if you decide to rollback in case of problems - therefore, WinSxS content improves reliability and resistance to system failures. The size of the folder depends on how periodicity updated components, how often it was. That is, if you installed your operating system a relatively long time ago, then the directory will probably weigh significantly.
How to empty a folder in Windows 10
Ten, in addition to the previously described, uses this directory to ensure that Windows is reset in case of unforeseen circumstances back to original state.
By applying the steps below when updating the OS, you will be able to get rid of unnecessary files.
First, load the console cmd on behalf of the admin. The string to be entered for our purposes will be next:
Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /AnalyzeComponentStore 
The WinSxS directory will be analyzed and see if it needs to be cleaned.
If it will be written Yes, then enter the command as in the next window. 
The cleaning of our storage from obsolete files will automatically begin, after which we will observe a message about the successful completion of the operation.
Cleaning should not be carried out very often, it only makes sense if the folder exceeds 7 GB in volume, less is normal.
Cleaning a Folder in Windows 7
With this version of the system you need to tinker, as you need install additional update KB2852386, and then the required field will be added to the utility for cleaning disks.
First let's run Update centre by entering the word "center" in the search, or using Control Panel.
In the Download and install updates field, click Install. We are looking for the required, install it, then reboot.
Loading Disk Cleanup by typing "cleanup" in the search. 
In the utility, we are interested in cleaning system files, namely the field " Windows Update Cleanup» or backup files. 
Cleaning up a folder in Windows 8
In the eight (8.1 also) in the disk cleaning utility, the ability to clean up system files is by default, which pleases - you do not need to make unnecessary gestures to install optional additional updates.
We launch in the same way by entering the name of our utility in the search. 
Similar to the seven clean up system files, or in the downloaded files we clean the updates. 
In the eight with one, you can, as in the ten, clear this directory in cmd consoles(on behalf of the administrator of course). Team we are interested in: 
DISM (Image Servicing System) is utility to help you install, configure, and update files and features in Windows.
Auto clean up backups
It is best to set up automatic cleaning of these backup components, so as not to think about whether or not to start optimizing WinSxS content or to prevent mistaken deletion of necessary files.
Tune this function possible in Scheduler. To open it in Search let's hit the word " scheduler».
In the console we follow the path Library\Microsoft\Windows\Servicing 
Find a task StartComponentCleanup click on the menu Run. The task to clean up and compress components will start. Here you can also configure the optimal frequency of this task.
The WinSXS folder is an integral part of any operating system version 7 and higher. It is an archive that stores information for backup recovery systems. The folder is replenished with files with every Windows update and can grow to be quite large. large sizes if the OS is not reinstalled for a long time.
In theory, the WinSXS folder can be cleared periodically. However, deleting some files can have a negative impact on the performance of your computer. To find out what exactly can be removed and what is better to leave, you need to resort to using special software.
How to clean up the Winsxs folder in Windows 7
To be able to operate on the WinSXS folder in Windows 7, you must have SP1 installed on your PC. You can check for its presence in the following path: "Control Panel" - "All elements of the security system" - "System". Just below the inscription of the OS version, the line Service Pack 1 should be indicated. If it is not there, then deleting the folder will not work.
Before proceeding directly to deleting the folder, you need to download update KB2852386. Through the "Start" menu, enter the "Update Center". In the list of "Optional updates" find the number you are looking for and install it.
There are several ways to clean up the WinSXS folder in Windows 7. The first of them involves cleaning the disk through the "Properties".
Go to the "My Computer" folder and by right-clicking on the " local disk C", select "Properties". Next to the pie chart for displaying disk fullness is the Disk Cleanup button, which must be clicked. Extra files will be deleted automatically.
You can delete unnecessary documents using the "Run" command. In the line "Open:" enter in Latin cleanmgr and press Enter. Select "Drive C" and then check the box "Purge Windows Updates". The command will be executed.
You can use a special utility to clear the storage. WinsxsLite. It is freely available on the Internet.
Download the program and open it with administrator rights. Enter "1", then "s". The scanning process will start. It usually lasts quite a long time. After completing it, enter the following data:
- Phase 1 + Apply [a];
- Phase 2 + Scan [s] + Apply [a];
- here enter the same as in the second line.
Clear Winsxs in Windows 8
Actions with the WinSXS folder in the "eight" can be performed using the "Disk Cleanup" function. Call the "Run" command and enter cleanmgr. Next, select drive C. In the new window, click "Clean up system files". Check the box next to "Purge updates" and wait until the process is completed. This method will remove the update files from the folder.
To get rid of minor files, we recommend using the DISM utility. Open command prompt as administrator. Give the command: Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /AnalyzeComponentStore. A search will begin for files that can be “painlessly” removed from the folder. At the end of the process, you will see OS recommendations regarding storage cleanup. Automatic removal extra components can be launched by typing the command Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup.
How to clean up the Winsxs folder in Windows 10
Deleting data from the WinSXS folder in the tenth Windows versions must be extremely careful. It is not recommended to take any action if the folder size is much less than 10 GB. The peculiarity lies in the fact that when deleting elements of a folder “lighter” than 5 GB, its volume may increase and the system will work worse.
Cleanup in Windows 10 usually happens through the command line. The algorithm of actions absolutely corresponds to that described for version 8 of the OS.
Many users are perceived almost as a standard of "falling" and a tendency to gradual littering extra files. Unfortunately, there is some truth in such beliefs.
That is why the popularity of various kinds of optimizer programs that allow you to keep the livestock of this garbage under relative control does not decrease in any way. That's just some users are not enough of their functionality, and therefore they decide to take matters into their own hands. The results are simply disastrous.
For example, they often delete the WinSxS directory. What kind of folder is this, why deleting it can affect the performance of your system, far from the most in the best way? Let's find the answer to this question in our article.
What it is?
To understand why it is so important, it would be nice to first find out its purpose. First you need to go a little into the past, talking about the history of the Windows OS. The fact is that the release of the notorious Windows XP was a truly significant event: the line of 9x systems was completely closed, after which the NT varieties became the main ones.
But the problem is that many of the features that were in demand in older versions are, for one reason or another, needed in new systems. As a rule, this is due to compatibility issues, for which at the same Internet Explorer old bugs from older versions were carefully transferred.
So, the WinSxS catalog became the repository of such antique elements. What is this folder? Is it really just a system "dump"? No, it's not that simple.
Modifying Description Files
When Windows Vista came out, there were profound changes in the core of the system that didn't show up outwardly. So, earlier all components were described by INF-files, while in Vista the practice of "binary file + XML" was first introduced. This bundle contains almost everything from registry keys to system settings.
All these links are stored in WinSxS. What kind of folder is this, in simpler terms? It can be called an important system storage, which contains all the information about the system. In fact, this directory is a miniature OS. Now it is clear what consequences its removal will cause?
Most often, after such a barbaric step, the system will not work at all. And if, by some miracle, some of its functions are preserved, then it will still be impossible to fully work on it.
Can it be cleaned?
Oddly enough, but such an operation is quite acceptable. Over time, the size of this folder begins to grow rapidly. This is due to the fact that new connections arise between system components, and some of them are already outdated.
Do not forget also that the system is constantly changing and improving: for example, when you install updates, not only new, but also old versions of system files appear in the folder. This is done to be able to roll back to the old view of the system.
Simply put, as a result of maintenance and adjustments, the size of this directory will constantly increase, until one day it will not exceed all reasonable limits. But before you clear WinSxS, you should remember a few simple rules.
Firstly, for its "sanation" only system utilities from the Microsoft. Secondly, manual modification of its components is unacceptable, since the consequences of such "creativity" will be unpredictable. Thirdly, if you do not understand the meaning of this cleaning, and the size allows, it is better to completely abandon such an idea. You definitely won’t increase the speed, but you can earn a lot of problems.
How is cleaning done?
We have already said that before clearing WinSxS, you need to use the services special utility. It is hidden in the bowels of the system, and therefore ordinary users are not even aware of its existence. It's called DISM, and it's currently in its eighth version included with Windows.
To run the utility, you need to have administrator rights. To run it in this mode, perform the following operations: click on the "Start" button, and in the menu that opens, find the search bar. Enter the word "CMD" into it, press the "Enter" button.
A list of found elements will appear in the right part of the window, among which there will be a file with the same name. Click on it with the right mouse button, and in the drop-down context menu select "Run as administrator".
First, we find out if the cleanup operation is really necessary at a particular moment. To do this, you need to use the following command: "Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore".
After that, several obscure lines will appear, the meaning of which we will now explain. So, after the line "Component Store
The second line shows the actual size of all components, which should be guided by. Finally, the most recent value is the number of those system files that have been replaced with new ones, and therefore they can be safely deleted.
First way
It is the most simple and effective. So, to make the WinSxS Windows 7 folder smaller, run the command prompt in administrative mode. Enter the following command into it: "Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup". It will take some time, after which the system will report the operation.
Attention! If you performed the operation using the first method, then all other actions can be omitted, since there will no longer be any sense in them.
Second way
Launch the command line emulator again in Administrator mode. Enter the command "cleanmgr" into it, and then press the "Enter" key. Utility B will start. latest versions"Windows" it can even determine the volume of old files system updates, which can be painlessly removed from the OS.
Third way
This method is intended to remove all old versions of components that are no longer needed. It is extremely useful for owners of computers that have been running the same version of Windows for several years.
Important! If you follow our advice, you will not be able to roll back the update. The warning is all the more important because very recently Windows users 7 suffered a series of system failures associated with the unfortunate patch KB2859537. However, if everything is fine with your OS, then the WinSxS folder (we tell you how to reduce it) can be revised.
This operation is performed by the command "Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase". The gain in the amount of freed disk space will directly depend on the total number of updates that you have installed since the installation of the system itself. It happens that the size of the freed space is measured in gigabytes.
Is it worth it to clean
So, after all of the above, you may well be in some difficulty. And this is understandable: on the one hand, the gain in the amount of freed space attracts, but on the other ... What will you do if some update file turned out to be problematic?
If there is a corresponding WinSxS file, then there is nothing to worry about. But when it is not there, in some cases only reinstalling the system can help. So before this operation, we strongly advise you to decide whether you really need this fraction of free space. Moreover, as you know, in Windows 8 WinSxS is partially optimized system means so don't worry too much about it.
The WinSxS folder is a repository of components that includes both non-critical and necessary components for the stable operation of Windows. The contents of the WinSxS folder are used to check system files, and the copies stored in it ensure that the most appropriate version is selected when installing and uninstalling updates. Therefore, deleting the WinSxS folder is highly discouraged, it is needed for stable system maintenance, but you can reduce its size.
Why does WinSxS take up a lot of disk space
Each time updates are installed, old versions of system files are stored in the WinSxS folder to ensure rollback in case of certain problems with new versions, and accordingly, as the operating system is used, the size of the WinSxS folder also grows.
In fact, the amount of disk space occupied by the WinSxS folder is not what the explorer shows us, since the vast majority of the contents of this directory are represented by "hard links".
The specifics of the NTFS system is such that each file can be considered a hard link to itself. Those. thanks to hard links, the same file can appear simultaneously in different folders or be under different names in the same directory.
Majority computer programs, including windows explorer, do not distinguish between hard links, and, therefore, incorrectly determine the volume they occupy, overestimating the real values.
How to find out the real size of the WinSxS folder in Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8
As a result, we get approximately the following information (in the screenshot below), it is clear that the values in each case will be different. 
How to clean up the WinSxS folder in Windows 10/8.1/8
How to clean up the WinSxS folder in Windows 7
In this way, you can free up to 7 GB of disk space on Drive (C:) by deleting files that do not affect Windows work. Please note that the volume of deleted objects will depend on how long the system has been installed on the computer (the longer, the more space you can free up).
One of the most massive folders in Windows 7 that takes up a lot of disk space FROM, is the system directory WinSxS. In addition, it has a tendency to constant growth. Therefore, many users are tempted to clean this directory in order to free up space on the hard drive. Let's see what data is stored in WinSxS and whether it is possible to clean this folder without negative consequences for the system.
WinSxS is a system directory, the contents of which in Windows 7 are located at the following path:
C:\Windows\WinSxS
The named directory stores versions of all updates of various components of Windows, and these updates are constantly accumulating, which leads to a regular increase in its size. For various system failures using content WinSxS Rollbacks are made to a stable state of the OS. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to delete or completely clear this directory, since at the slightest failure you risk eventually getting a dead system. But you can clean some components in the specified directory, although Microsoft recommends doing this only as a last resort if you are critically short of disk space. Therefore, before performing any of the procedures that will be described below, we advise you to make a backup copy of the OS and save it on a separate medium.
Installing update KB2852386
It should be noted that, in contrast to the operating Windows systems 8 and later OS, the "seven" initially did not have a built-in folder cleanup tool WinSxS, and manual deletion, as mentioned above, is unacceptable. But, fortunately, update KB2852386 was later released, which contains a patch for the Cleanmgr utility and helps to solve this problem. Therefore, first of all, you need to make sure that this update is installed on your PC or install it if it is not available.
- click "Start". Come in "Control Panel".
- Click "System and safety".
- Go to "Windows Update".
- In the lower left part of the window that appears, click on the inscription "Installed Updates".
- A window opens with a list of updates installed on the computer. We need to find update KB2852386 in the section « Microsoft Windows» this list.
- But the problem is that there can be a lot of elements in the list, and therefore you risk spending a lot of time searching. To make it easier, place the cursor in the search field located to the right of the address bar of the current window. Type in the following expression:
After that, only the element with the above code should remain in the list. If you see it, then everything is in order, the necessary update is installed and you can immediately proceed to the ways to clean up the folder WinSxS.
If the element is not displayed in the current window, then this means that in order to achieve the goals set in this article, you should perform the update procedure.
- Return to "Update centre". This can be done quickly if you acted exactly according to the algorithm described above by clicking the arrow pointing to the left in the upper part of the current window to the left of the address bar.
- In order to make sure that your computer sees the necessary update, click on the inscription "Search for Updates" on the left side of the window. This is especially important if you do not have auto-updates enabled.
- The system will search for updates not installed on your PC.
- After completing the procedure, click on the inscription « Important updates available".
- A list of important updates that are not installed on your PC will open. You can choose which ones to install by checking the checkboxes to the left of the names. Check the box next to the name "Update for Windows 7 (KB2852386)". Next click OK.
- Back at the window "Update Center", press "Install updates".
- The installation process of the selected updates will start.
- After it finishes, restart your PC. Now you will have in stock essential tool to clean up the directory WinSxS.
Method 1: "Command line"
The procedure we need can be performed using "Command line", through which the Cleanmgr utility is launched.
- click "Start". Click "All programs".
- Go to folder "Standard".
- Find in the list "Command line". Click on the name with the right mouse button ( PKM). Choose an option "Run as administrator".
- Activation in progress "Command line". Type in the following command:
Click Enter.
- A window opens, prompting you to select the disk in which the cleaning will be performed. The default section should be C. Leave it if your operating system It has standard arrangement. If, for some reason, it is installed on another drive, then select it. Click OK.
- After that, the utility makes an estimate of the amount of space that it can clean up during the corresponding operation. This may take some time, so be patient.
- A list of system objects that are subject to cleaning will open. Be sure to find a position among them "Windows Update Cleanup"(or "Files backup update package") and put a checkmark next to it. It is this position that is responsible for cleaning the folder WinSxS. Opposite the remaining items, place the checkboxes at your discretion. You can uncheck all other marks if you do not want to clean anything else, or mark those components where you also want to remove "garbage". After that press OK.
Attention! In the window "Disk Cleanup" paragraph "Windows Update Cleanup" may be missing. This means that there are no items in the "WinSxS" directory that could be removed without negative consequences for the system.
- A dialog box will open asking if you really want to clear the selected components. Agree by clicking "Delete Files".
- Next, the Cleanmgr utility will clean up the folder WinSxS from unnecessary files and after that it will automatically close.
Method 2: Windows GUI
It is not convenient for every user to run utilities through « command line» . Most users prefer to do this using the OS GUI. This is quite doable for the Cleanmgr tool as well. This method, of course, is more understandable for a simple user, but, as you will see, will take more time.
- click "Start" and follow the inscription "A computer".
- In the opened window "Explorer" in the list of hard drives, find the name of the partition where the current Windows OS is installed. In the vast majority of cases, this is a disk C. Click on it PKM. choose "Properties".
- In the window that appears, click "Disk Cleanup".
- The exact same procedure for estimating the space being cleared, which we saw when using the previous method, will be launched.
- In the window that opens, ignore the list of items to be cleared, but click "Clean up system files".
- The freed up space on the drive will be re-evaluated, but this time taking into account system elements.
- After that, exactly the same window will open. "Disk Cleanup" which we observed in Method 1. Next, you need to perform all the actions that were described in it, starting from point 7.
Method 3: Automatic cleaning "WinSxS"
In Windows 8, it is possible to set up a folder cleanup schedule. WinSxS across "Task Scheduler". Unfortunately, this option is not available in Windows 7. However, you can still schedule periodic cleaning through the same "Command line", albeit without flexible scheduling.
As you can see, in Windows 7 you can clear the folder WinSxS how through "Command line", and through GUI OS. You can also schedule the periodic launch of this procedure by entering commands. But in all the cases listed above, the operation will be performed using the Cleanmgr utility, a special update to which, if it is not available on the PC, must be installed through the standard Windows update algorithm. It is very important for any user to remember: to clean the folder WinSxS manually by deleting files or by using third party programs is strictly prohibited.
