Removing feature did not release disk space Windows Server 2012

LenaN 1 Reputation point
2022-04-17T23:45:04.787+00:00

Need to free up disk space on C: drive on a Windows 2012 server (50GB disk, approx 6-7 GB free depending on Windows Update)

Installed Disk Cleanup by following the steps in https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/15221.windows-server-2012-enabling-disk-cleanup-utility.aspx

Unfortunately, removing the Desktop Experience feature after I was done did NOT release the extra 2GB that was used up by adding the feature. I have verified that Desktop Experience, including Disk Cleanup, is no longer available in the UI. How can I clean this up and free up the space?

Thank you!
Lena Nilsson

Windows Server 2012
Windows Server 2012
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Docs 15,141 Reputation points
    2022-04-20T01:10:13.693+00:00

    These links are for Windows 10 and 11.

    Some of the steps may be applicable to Windows server.

    Treesize can be used during the analysis and uninstalled after it has completed.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/free-up-drive-space-in-windows-a18fae02-a0fa-8df9-9838-8970f9939de4

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips-to-free-up-drive-space-on-your-pc-4d97fc4a-0175-8d49-ac2f-bcf27de46d34

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/83441-free-up-drive-space-windows-10-a.html

    The best option is to make free backup images > replace the disk drive > restore an image on a larger disk drive.

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