WinSxS: Shrink folder - how it works

After a longer period of use, the size of the WinSxS folder can reach several gigabytes and thus eats up valuable storage space. We show you how you can shrink your WinSxS directory in just a few steps.

Shrink WinSxS - how it works

The WinSxS folder is used to prevent compatibility problems while using function libraries (DLL files). To avoid later errors, older DLLs are also saved longer. After each Windows update, more DLLs are added, while others become unusable. As a result, the folder grows permanently. How to shrink the WinSxS directory:

1. Use the key combination [WIN] + [R] to find the "cleanmgr" function.
2. Now a new window opens: If you have installed several drives, select "Drive C:".
3. With a click on "Clean system files" (see picture), the software starts a search for unusable files. This process can take several minutes.
4. Then all you have to do is click "OK". The old system files are deleted and your WinSxS folder becomes smaller.
5. Finally, you can tick "Windows Update Cleanup". Thus, useless system files are automatically deleted after every update.
6. Note that the names or the way to the function may vary slightly depending on the Windows version.

Do you know why Windows 11 may never appear? We'll explain it in the next practical tip.