What is install.esd?

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What is install.esd?

Anonymous

On Windows 10, in C:\ESD\Windows\sources is a 3 GB file called install.esd. Does anyone know what this huge file is used for and is it really needed?

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Answer 1

Anonymous

I would have expected it to be removed with the clean-up System files.

however, it is safe to remove it manually, if necessary.

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Answer 2

Hi MesPia

it is a windows upgrade installation file. (it may be an old one), basically a copy of windows.

first check in settings -> update & security -> windows update

are there any updates pending (specifically windows feature updates)?

if not and all updates are installed, it is safe to remove the .esd file, however it is better to use disk clean-up (twice) to remove it (and other junk)

click start, type disk clean-up and press enter

select drive c

On the Manage Tab, click Clean-up

Let Disk Clean-up do its initial scan

Select Everything in the list and choose Delete

Start Disk Clean-up again

select drive c

Let Disk Clean-up do its initial scan

This time click 'Clean-up System Files'

Disk Clean-up will run another scan

Select Everything in the list and choose Delete

Answer 3

Anonymous

I ran Disk Clean-up per your instructions above. I also ran my Avast Cleanup utility, but the 3 GB ESD file was not deleted.

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What is install.esd?

2 additional answers