As you know, in any version of Windows operating systems, a huge amount of so-called computer garbage accumulates during operation. Sometimes even a system catalog overflow (Windows) may occur. Some users are not without reason and seriously ask questions about what can be removed from the Windows folder without harming the system. We will talk about this and much more in more detail, and also consider practical steps for cleaning this directory, but only those that allow us not to harm the whole system as a whole.
What can be removed from the Windows folder and is it necessary to do this?
Let's start with the most basic concepts. By and large, it is better not to make any changes in the system directory without special knowledge, including manually deleting some objects in the form of files and folders. It is clear, after all, that such rash actions can only lead to the fact that Windows will stop working, after which it will not work to restore the system by any known means, but it will only be necessary to reinstall it. If you delete such objects and are not recommended, at least you can get rid of their contents.
If we are talking about exactly what can be deleted from the Windows folder in relation to the directories enclosed in it, in most cases we mean temporary files that appear as a result of some system processes, as well as Windows updates, and this also applies to saved files of old versions of Windows. Files present in the main folder, unless it is virus remnants (which is unlikely), cannot be deleted!
What folders can be deleted in the Windows folder without harming the system?
To get started, let's just find out which directories do not belong to the system and do not contain important components for the functioning of Windows. Just open the "Explorer" or any other file manager and set the view menu to display hidden objects. After that, carefully go through the folders, moving the cursor from one to another, in order to detect empty directories.
If you have any doubts about the folder, look at the date it was created. If there is any nonsense in the name or if it is revealed that the directory was created much later than the installation of the system itself, you can try to delete it. But only manual deletion should be used only if you are firmly convinced that this object has absolutely nothing to do with the required system directories. This also applies to hidden folders, however, we repeat, it is better not to touch them (for now).
The system folder contains several subfolders containing files that are often unnecessary for the user and subdirectories that take up a lot of space. In this case, the following directories are meant:
- Temp;
- SoftwareDistribution with subfolder Download;
- Windows.old (if any on the system);
- WinSxS.
Next, we look at each directory and see what can be stored in them and how to clean their contents. Please note that you can’t delete such folders in any case, but you can sometimes rename them.
Temp Catalog
So, the first thing to see is whether you can delete the Temp folder in Windows or not. No you can not! Despite the fact that it is used to store temporary files that accumulate during operation, it is not recommended to touch it. But delete the contents of the directory as much as you like, however, provided that the system allows you to do this. Indeed, some files will be deleted, but for others notifications will be issued about the prohibitions or inability to delete. Why? Yes, because files can currently be used by programs or system processes, and to delete them you just need to complete the active services.
However, there is a much more effective tool. In the same "Explorer", use the properties of the system partition and click the disk erase button. In the list just mark the item of temporary files, after which the active processes will be completed by the system itself, and the cleaning will be completely painless.
SoftwareDistribution and Windows.old directories
With these directories, things are not so simple. The SoftwareDistribution directory contains cached update files that are downloaded during the search for and installation of important Windows updates. It is impossible to get rid of this directory in manual mode (a ban is set on such actions). But after entering the Download directory located directly in this directory, you can get rid of empty folders.
To remove all content, you must first go to the services section (services.msc), stop the Update Center, set the start type to disabled and restart the computer. After that, the objects can be deleted.
In passing, it is worth noting that sometimes you need to rename a directory by giving it the name SoftwareDistribution.old, and this can be done just when the main service is turned off. Removing such a folder is also not recommended, but a new directory with the original name will be created automatically upon reboot.
Now let's see if the Windows.old folder can be deleted. It is possible, but only through disk cleaning.
It contains rollback files to an earlier operating system (for example, if you upgraded to Windows 10) and files of previous assemblies before installing critical updates for the "dozen" (Anniversary Update and later).
WinSxS folder
Another directory related to the storage of installed updates (rather than downloaded packages or cached data) is present in the form of a WinSxS folder. You can also start cleaning it, but not manually, but again using disk cleaning.
Only in this case, the list should be noted the removal of system updates, and along the way, you can use the disposal of backups. All these operations are available only when going to the cleaning item of system files.
Installer folder
Can I delete the Installer folder on Windows? The question is not idle, since there is no ban on actions with her. You can get rid of the directory in two ways, but then problems will begin with the removal of installed programs, since it stores data about all applications in it. Thus, it is better not to touch it. By the way, even when using specialized uninstallers in most cases, the standard uninstall procedure, which is started at the beginning, will also be impossible.
Automatic cleaning
But, if you are so worried about the problem of what you can remove from the Windows folder, it’s best not to use manual actions, but to use either your own system tools or computer trash cleaning programs (CCleaner, ASC, etc.) that can handle with such a task is much better and safer.
If you want to remove the programs “wired” into the system (for example, the same “Notepad” that is present in the Windows directory as the executable file Notepad.exe), the most relevant tool is the use of uninstaller programs like iObit Uninstaller, in which there is a special section .