How to clean up the WinSxS folder

The WinSxS folder mainly contains system files that are necessary for restoring previous versions of system programs. While it can get quite large at times, WinSxS should never be deleted as this can have a negative effect on the system. We explain what the purpose of the WinSxS folder is and what you should do with it.

What is WinSxS and where is the WinSxS folder located?

WinSxS stands for Windows Side by Side and refers to the Windows component store. The WinSxS folder is an essential part of the Windows folder and houses most of the components used to customise and update the current setup.

The folder stores additional file versions and usually primarily contains system files that are needed to restore the system. The previous versions of new updates, for example, are saved in it so that they can be used as backups in the event of unexpected difficulties during an update.

You can easily view the contents of the folder via the main menu or via C:\Windows\WinSxS. Over time, a lot of data collects in this folder and it’s not unusual for several gigabytes to accumulate quickly, which is why carrying out regular WinSxS cleanups is recommended.

What does the WinSxS folder actually do?

The WinSxS folder is involved in all installation processes. It also provides standard functions, for example when printing documents or opening individual files.

Updates, service packs or hotfixes are also stored in the folder to serve as reference points during installations. In the event of a recovery, this information and the system files stored in the SxS folder are used to quickly initiate a reboot.

The folder content of WinSxS consists largely of hard links. These are links that point to files on the hard disk. This provides various Windows services with up-to-date information about the status of the operating system, for example, when an update has been installed or when a newer version is required.

All these functions are important, as storing the files ensures, among other things, that applications and programs can be run without compatibility problems. As only links are stored in WinSxS, the folder is nowhere near as full as it appears at first glance in the properties. This is because the size of the linked files is added together there, which is why several (virtual) gigabytes can quickly accumulate.

Is it possible to clean up or downsize WinSxS?

Even if the amount of data displayed does not reflect the actual consumption, it is always advisable to clear the system of unused files. There are ways to do this by reducing the size of the WinSxS folder or cleaning up large parts of it. However, we advise against arbitrarily accessing the contents of the folder, as this can have a detrimental effect on the system.

The first way to clean up the folder is to reduce the size of the directory by performing a hard disk cleanup. With the help of step-by-step instructions, you can delete files in WinSxS, which will reduce the size of the folder. The entire process is carried out through the Windows interface and removes legacy data from the component store.

In addition to a rudimentary cleanup, Windows also offers another option to reduce the size of WinSxS and remove more data in a targeted manner. It’s important to know that once parts of the cleanup routine described below have been performed, it will no longer be possible to uninstall updates or reset the PC!

You can find detailed instructions here in our Digital Guide:

• Clean up WinSxS
• Clean up WinSxS folder on Windows 10

Can WinSxS be deleted?

This is generally not recommended. WinSxS is essential for the stability of Windows and provides a large number of functions. This is particularly important if problems occur in the system and an older version of Windows has to be restored.

However, the folder is the central starting point for update routines and should not be changed in its basic structure, as Windows can track the previous history of update processes through the WinSxS folder.