Windows Installer Patch files (:msp) back from 2020. Are they REALLY necessary?

Hello

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Here are some steps you can take to free up space without reinstalling Windows:

1. Use Disk Cleanup:

• Open Disk Cleanup by typing it in the Start menu.

• Select your C: drive and click OK.

• Click on Clean up system files.

• Check the box for Windows Update Cleanup and any other items you want to remove.

• Click OK and then Delete Files.

2. Remove Old Windows Update Files:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

• Run the following command to remove old Windows Update files:

dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

3. Delete Unused .MSP Files:

• The Windows Installer Patch (.MSP) files are stored in C:\Windows\Installer$PatchCache$.

• You can safely delete the contents of this folder to free up space.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

rmdir /q /s %WINDIR%\Installer$PatchCache$

4. Compress the Installer Folder:

• Navigate to C:\Windows\Installer.

• Right-click the folder, select Properties, and then click Advanced.

• Check the box for Compress contents to save disk space and click OK.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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