Windows Server 2022 and "Installer" folder huge space

Question

Good morning,

I have three new Windows 2022 server, two of them used for RDS and the DC.

All three server have full disk (DC 90Gb, RDS 200Gb) for the huge dimension of the "installer" hidden folder.

I have read that many people delete it without problem, but other time someone have problem.

It is possible to have a soliution about this problem?

Answer 1

Hello Marco,

you might want to try Patch Cleaner. It will look for files no longer required and allow you to delete them or move them to other location so you can check if any errors happen when the files go missing from the folder.

Answer 2

Hello

Thank you for your question and reaching out. I can understand you are having query\issues related to Windows Installer folder huge size.

Windows installer cache is stored in the C:\Windows\Installer folder, which you shouldn't delete. This folder is used to keep crucial files for programmes installed using the Windows Installer technology.

The apps and patches that have been installed on the computer are updated and maintained using the installer cache. The installer files serve as a record of the registry dependencies and file versions used during the installation of a certain application or application update. The cache's inclusion of this record makes it easier to properly remove and update apps.

Reference :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/joscon/can-you-safely-delete-files-in-the-windirinstaller-directory

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/clean-up-the-winsxs-folder?view=windows-11

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