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deleted files still taking up storage space(?)

Anonymous
2022-12-05T21:50:58+00:00

all these files have been deleted and should be completely removed from my PC, yet it still shows them taking up space. anything i can do here?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. EmilyS726 227K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-12-05T22:47:59+00:00

    Indeed, it is a mistake to delete the files before you uninstall it. The "structure" is still there between the apps and Windows. And because the files were deleted, uninstall won't go through now either.

    As for Cyberpunk, there's a chance the install also register the program into Windows registry and the uninstall via Steam didn't remove that. It is always a good idea to uninstall via Settings > Apps > Install Apps instead.

    I am afraid the most thorough way to clean this up now is via a system refresh, basically a reset but keeps your personal files. To do so, hold down the shift key while you choose the restart option, then go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, then you can choose the option that keeps your files. When booting back up, all of the apps that were not part of Windows' preinstalled apps will be cleared. So before you do that, you might want to make a list of apps you want to reinstall, so you know what to reinstall when this proess is done.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-05T22:51:24+00:00

    will give that a shot, thanks!
    (will update if i bungle something)

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  2. EmilyS726 227K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-12-05T22:51:57+00:00

    You are welcome. Yep, feel free to reply anytime!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-12-05T22:38:50+00:00

    thank you for replying Emily

    Cyberpunk, for example, i uninstalled through steam, using the uninstalling option there.
    then for the other ones i made the mistake of going into the files, selecting everything there, deleting and clearing the recycle bin, which might explain the issue with those, but it does not explain the issue with Cyberpunk

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  4. EmilyS726 227K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-12-05T22:29:33+00:00

    Hello there. This is Emily.

    It looks like you are sharing a screen of the installed apps. How did you "delete" them? These are apps, and it should be done via uninstalling, not via directly deleting the files.

    If you can share the steps you took to "delete", that will help me understand better, and I will hopefully provide you with more information regarding what's next.

    Thank you and I look forward to your reply.

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