Windows 8.1 Disk Cleanup: Windows Update Cleanup Doesn't Remove 950MB
If you've noticed that your Windows 8.1 system is running low on disk space, you may have turned to the Disk Cleanup tool to free up some space. However, you may have been surprised to find that the Windows Update Cleanup option only frees up a small amount of space, leaving a large 950MB file untouched. In this article, we'll explore why this is the case and what you can do about it.
Understanding Windows Update Cleanup
Windows Update Cleanup is a feature of the Disk Cleanup tool that removes old Windows Update files that are no longer needed. These files can take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive, so it's a good idea to run this tool regularly to keep your system clean and running smoothly.
However, there are some files that Windows Update Cleanup won't remove, even if they are no longer needed. One of these files is the Windows Update file that is downloaded and installed during a major update, such as from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. This file can be quite large, often around 950MB, and it won't be removed by Windows Update Cleanup.
Why Won't Windows Update Cleanup Remove the 950MB File?
The reason why Windows Update Cleanup won't remove the 950MB file is because it is still needed by the system, even after the update has been installed. This file contains the installation files for the new version of Windows, and it is used as a backup in case something goes wrong with the update process.
In other words, if you were to delete this file, you would be removing the backup copy of the new version of Windows, which could cause problems if you need to reinstall the update in the future. For this reason, Windows Update Cleanup leaves the file intact, even if it is taking up a significant amount of space on your hard drive.
What Can You Do About the 950MB File?
If you're running low on disk space and the 950MB file is taking up a significant amount of space, there are a few things you can do. Here are some options to consider:
- Use a third-party disk cleanup tool: There are many third-party tools available that can help you clean up your hard drive and remove unnecessary files. Some of these tools may be able to remove the 950MB file, but be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand the risks before doing so.
- Move the file to a different drive: If you have another drive with plenty of space, you can move the 950MB file to that drive to free up space on your system drive. To do this, you'll need to use a file management tool, such as Windows Explorer or a third-party tool.
- Delete the file manually: If you're comfortable with the risks, you can delete the 950MB file manually. To do this, you'll need to open a command prompt as an administrator and use the Disk Cleanup tool with the
/sagerun:1switch. This will open the advanced options for Disk Cleanup, where you can select the 950MB file and delete it.
It's important to note that deleting the 950MB file manually can be risky, and it's not recommended unless you're comfortable with the risks. If you're not sure what you're doing, it's best to leave the file intact or seek help from a professional.
The 950MB file that is left behind after a major Windows update can take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive. While Windows Update Cleanup won't remove this file, there are other options available if you need to free up space. Just be sure to proceed with caution and understand the risks before deleting any important system files.
- Windows Update Cleanup won't remove the 950MB file left behind after a major Windows update.
- The 950MB file is needed as a backup in case something goes wrong with the update process.
- To free up space, you can use a third-party disk cleanup tool, move the file to a different drive, or delete the file manually (at your own risk).