Deep cleaning windows

Question

Deep cleaning windows

Βασίλης Νικολόπουλος 75

Hello.I have windows 11 build 25H2.My laptop has an ssd 500 GB(for usage are free 450 GB).I bought it , the summer of 2020.Until november of 2023 (while i had version 23H2) the space was 280 gb (with one installation game that took 51 gb).All videos- photos and the applications that i download , i save them to my second internal hdd.Until november of 2023,τhe capacity reduction was small and at normal levels from the day i bought it.Suddenly from december of 2023-january of 2024 the capacity (while installing if i remember correctly the version 24H2) the capacity reduces about 30 GB!!!!From 280 suddenly become 250 without install ..something big except the latest build (24h2) and updates of windows.For about a year and a half the capacity was stable ''250 gb'' .Now the latest 2-3 months reach up 235 GB.I hibernate my laptop every evening, i have disable restore points.Αbout 2-3 months i installed the latest build of windows :25H2 , but as i know it didn't take a lot of space like previous builds.Also about 2-3 months ago i try to turn back using a restore point for another issue , but it takes so long (about 1,5 hour) and i stop the process.I do not know if this interruption of the restoring point on my part, blocked files and ''kee'' some gb to C drive........ I notice , that i ''take some gb back'', if i totally close /power of my laptop.Usually if i shut down my laptop and start the next day the total free space it could be 240-245 gb.Any idea why i ''have lost'' about 30 GB a year and a half ago and another 15 gb during last 2-3 months?I run a third party tool (wise disk cleaner and i find some files called ''obsolete windows installer '' with a size of 9,78 gb and with no specific directory location.What is that?Is it safe to clean it?

Woody 0 Reputation points

2026-10-08T07:36:32.8133333+00:00

Windows updates can leave behind old installation files, and system storage can also grow because of component updates, temporary files, and cached data. First check Settings n' System n' Storage to see what’s taking up the space, then run Windows Disk Clean up as administrator and check “Clean up system files.” I’d be careful with the 9.78 GB of “obsolete Windows Installer” files from a third-party cleaner, though. Don’t delete them unless you can confirm exactly what they are, since some installer files may be needed for repairs or updates. The interrupted System Restore might have left temporary data, but it’s hard to say without checking the actual storage breakdown.

2 answers

Your answer

Woody 0 Reputation points

2026-10-08T07:36:32.8133333+00:00

Windows updates can leave behind old installation files, and system storage can also grow because of component updates, temporary files, and cached data. First check Settings n' System n' Storage to see what’s taking up the space, then run Windows Disk Clean up as administrator and check “Clean up system files.” I’d be careful with the 9.78 GB of “obsolete Windows Installer” files from a third-party cleaner, though. Don’t delete them unless you can confirm exactly what they are, since some installer files may be needed for repairs or updates. The interrupted System Restore might have left temporary data, but it’s hard to say without checking the actual storage breakdown.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing unexpected disk space usage on your Windows 11 laptop. Here are a few potential reasons and solutions for the space reduction you are observing:

Windows Updates and System Files: Each Windows update can increase the size of system files, which may account for some of the space loss. Updates often require additional space for installation and may not immediately free up space after the update is complete.
Hibernation File (Hiberfil.sys): Since you hibernate your laptop every evening, the hibernation file can consume a significant amount of disk space, typically around the size of your RAM. You can reduce its size by using the command powercfg /h /type reduced to decrease it by about 30% or disable hibernation entirely with powercfg /h off if you do not need this feature.
System Restore Points: Although you mentioned that you have disabled restore points, if any were created before disabling, they could still be consuming space. You can check and manage restore points through the System Protection settings.
Obsolete Windows Installer Files: The files you found labeled as "obsolete windows installer" could be remnants of previous installations or updates. These files can often be safely cleaned up using disk cleanup tools, but it's always a good idea to ensure that they are not needed before deletion. You can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to help identify and remove unnecessary files.
Temporary Files and Cache: Over time, temporary files and cached data can accumulate and take up space. Running the Disk Cleanup utility can help remove these files.
Disk Cleanup Utility: You can use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete unnecessary files, including temporary files, system files, and previous Windows installations. This can help recover some of the lost space.

If you continue to experience issues, consider using the Dism.exe /Cleanup-Image command to clean up the WinSxS folder, which can also help reduce the size of the Windows installation.

References:

Answer 2

Hi ,

I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

In addition to the provided answer by the Q&A Assist, Obsolete Windows Installer files are leftover setup and patch files created by Windows during app installations or updates. It is safe to remove them if Windows itself is offering them for cleanup. To clean up, go to Settings > System > Storage > Open Temporary files >Check Obsolete Windows Installer > Remove files.

You can also click Start > Type Disk Cleanup and hit enter > Select drive C: > Clean up system files > Check Obsolete Windows Installer > OK.

Regarding the increase in storage space, kindly access the link below:

https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free

Download and then run the free TreeSize tool as an administrator to identify which file or folder consumes the free space.

Please feel free to ask if you need further assistance.

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.