📎 AI Summary:
The original poster is concerned about their Windows folder occupying 40GB on a relatively new SSD and is seeking advice on normal size and ways to reduce it. A responder explains typical Windows installation sizes and recommends cleaning the WinSxS directory and patch cache, cautioning to avoid deleting essential files. They also suggest disabling hibernation to free up space, providing specific commands to do so. Overall, the thread offers practical tips for managing disk space usage related to Windows system files.
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Ravioli224

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I was having space problems on my SSD so I checked what is taking up so much space with SpaceMonger and it turns out my Windows folder is 40GB big. How normal is this and how could I get it smaller?

I have only had this new SSD with windows for a year. :/

An image from 'Windows folder is 40GB'. Windows folder properties showing 40 GB size and a treemap visualizing its file structure.


An image from 'Windows folder is 40GB'. Windows folder properties showing 40 GB size and a treemap visualizing its file structure.
 

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Neemobeer
A base install of Windows 7 32bit is roughly 16GBs and 64bit is 20GB. Winsxs contains drivers, fusion and side by side assemblies and should not be messed with. Your Patch Cache is unusually large and can probably be cleaned up. Just be careful what you delete. MSP files are Microsoft Patches and you should be able to delete them.

You may also want to enable view hidden system files and see if you have a hibernation file. This will eat up as much space as you have RAM. The quick way to disable hibernation mode and remove this file is.
  • Open an elevated command prompt
  • Type powercfg /h off
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#2
A base install of Windows 7 32bit is roughly 16GBs and 64bit is 20GB. Winsxs contains drivers, fusion and side by side assemblies and should not be messed with. Your Patch Cache is unusually large and can probably be cleaned up. Just be careful what you delete. MSP files are Microsoft Patches and you should be able to delete them.

You may also want to enable view hidden system files and see if you have a hibernation file. This will eat up as much space as you have RAM. The quick way to disable hibernation mode and remove this file is.
  • Open an elevated command prompt
  • Type powercfg /h off
 

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