Free Up Hard Drive Space: 6 Windows System File Tips

Reclaiming Disk Space on Windows: Advanced Techniques

Previously, we discussed conventional methods for increasing available storage on Windows systems. However, for users with limited solid-state drive capacity who require maximizing storage, more advanced techniques can be employed to recover hard drive space.

Understanding the Trade-offs

It's important to note that not all of the following suggestions are universally advisable. In situations where ample hard drive space is already available, implementing these changes could potentially be detrimental. A balance must be struck between space reclamation and system performance.

Adjusting these settings involves inherent compromises, so proceed with caution and a clear understanding of the potential consequences.

Advanced Space-Saving Methods

• System Restore Point Management: Reducing the amount of disk space allocated to System Restore can free up significant space. However, this also limits the number of restore points available, potentially hindering your ability to revert to a previous system state.
• Hibernation File Size: The hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) can consume a substantial amount of disk space, equivalent to a large portion of your RAM. Disabling hibernation or reducing its size can reclaim this space, but will remove the ability to hibernate your computer.
• Page File Optimization: The page file (pagefile.sys) is used as virtual memory. Adjusting its size or moving it to a different drive can impact performance.
• Disk Cleanup – System Files: Utilize the Disk Cleanup tool, selecting the option to clean up system files. This can remove old Windows installations and other unnecessary system components.

These methods offer opportunities to reclaim valuable disk space, particularly on systems equipped with smaller solid-state drives. Careful consideration of the associated trade-offs is crucial before implementation.

Remember to back up your system before making significant changes to system settings.

Removing Windows Update Uninstall Files

The Windows operating system provides a functionality to remove updates that have been installed through Windows Update. This feature proves valuable should an update introduce issues or instability. However, the necessity to revert updates diminishes with time.

Consequently, the files associated with these uninstallations may occupy unnecessary space on your storage drive.

Utilizing Disk Cleanup

A recent update for Windows 7 introduced the ability to delete Windows Update files directly through the Disk Cleanup utility. To proceed, launch Disk Cleanup and select the option to "Clean up system files."

Subsequently, locate and check the "Windows Update Cleanup" option before confirming with "OK."

Troubleshooting the Missing Option

If the "Windows Update Cleanup" option is not visible, ensure that Windows Update has been executed and all available updates are installed.

Running Windows Update first will often make this cleanup option available.

• Important: This process removes the files needed to uninstall updates.
• Consider the stability of your system before removing these files.

By following these steps, you can reclaim valuable disk space previously used by obsolete update uninstall files.

Deleting the Recovery Partition

Most computers running Windows are equipped with a recovery partition. This feature enables a return to the factory settings of the system without the need for installation media like discs.

The recovery partition facilitates both the reinstallation of Windows and the utilization of features such as Refresh and Reset your PC.

Partition Size Considerations

These partitions consume significant disk space, as they must house a complete system image. For instance, on a Microsoft Surface Pro, the recovery partition typically occupies around 8-10 GB.

On other computer models, the size can be even greater, particularly if the manufacturer has pre-installed substantial amounts of bloatware.

Removing the Partition After Backup

Windows 8 simplifies the process of copying the recovery partition to external storage. Subsequently, it can be removed from the hard drive.

Should you choose to do this, the external media will be required each time you wish to refresh or reset your PC.

Older Windows Versions

On systems running older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7, the recovery partition could be deleted using a partition management tool.

However, it is crucial to have readily available recovery media in case a Windows installation becomes necessary.

Alternative Installation Methods

If a clean installation of Windows is preferred over utilizing the manufacturer’s recovery partition, a standard Windows installation disc can be used for reinstallation when needed.

Deactivating the Hibernation File

The Windows operating system automatically generates a concealed hibernation file, typically located at C:\hiberfil.sys. This file is utilized when the computer is put into hibernation mode. During hibernation, the system's Random Access Memory (RAM) contents are saved to this file before the computer is powered off.

Upon subsequent startup, Windows retrieves the saved data from the hibernation file and restores the computer to its previous operational state. Given the substantial amount of data it must store, the file's size generally equates to approximately 75% of the installed RAM capacity. For instance, a system with 12 GB of RAM will have a hibernation file consuming around 9 GB of storage space.

Disabling hibernation is generally not recommended for laptop computers. However, for desktop users, particularly those with limited solid-state drive (SSD) capacity, deactivating hibernation can free up valuable disk space. Upon disabling hibernation, the hibernation file is removed by Windows.

It's important to note that the hibernation file cannot be relocated to a different drive; it must remain on the C:\ drive for Windows to access it during the boot process. Both this file and the paging file are designated as "protected operating system files" and are therefore hidden from view by default.

Reducing the Size of the Paging File

The paging file in Windows, frequently referred to as the page file, is a system file utilized when the computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) becomes fully allocated. When RAM is exhausted, Windows employs the paging file to transfer data to the hard drive.

This process, known as "paging out," guarantees that applications continue to have access to memory, even when physical RAM capacity is reached.

By default, the paging file resides at the location C:\pagefile.sys. While it’s possible to reduce its size or even disable it to conserve disk space, disabling it isn’t generally advised.

Doing so can lead to instability if the system requires additional paging space during operation.

Paging File Size and RAM Considerations

On a system equipped with 12 GB of RAM, the default paging file size can consume up to 12 GB of hard drive storage.

If your computer has a substantial amount of RAM, decreasing the paging file size is a viable option – a reduction to 2 GB or even less might be sufficient.

However, the optimal size is contingent upon the applications you run and their respective memory demands.

Relocating the Paging File

The paging file isn’t limited to residing on the system drive. It can be moved to a different drive, such as transferring it from a smaller Solid State Drive (SSD) to a larger, but slower, Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

While accessing the paging file from a slower drive will result in reduced performance when paging occurs, it frees up valuable space on the SSD.

Adjusting System Restore Settings

Related: Optimizing System Restore Disk Space Usage in Windows 7

By default, Windows allocates approximately 10 GB of hard drive capacity for System Protection. This reserved space is utilized for creating System Restore points, which enable the recovery of earlier system file states in the event of operational issues.

Should disk space become limited, the allocated storage for System Restore can be decreased, or the feature can be completely deactivated.

However, complete deactivation of System Restore means that this recovery option will no longer be available. Alternative solutions, such as a Windows reinstall, a Refresh or Reset operation, or manual troubleshooting, would then be required to resolve system problems.