Reclaim space from old updates (WinSxS cleanup) — via Microsoft Learn
Commandmedium riskNeeds adminWindows 11Windows 10
Old versions of updated components pile up in the WinSxS folder. A DISM command removes superseded versions now instead of waiting for Windows' own scheduled cleanup. Never delete WinSxS files by hand — that can break Windows.
Takes effect right away
The easy way
- The easy way: run Disk Cleanup → Clean up system files → tick Windows Update Cleanup.
Command
Run in an administrator Command Prompt / Terminal window.
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanupUndo
rem Not reversible: removed old component versions can't be restored (future updates are unaffected).Adding/ResetBasesqueezes out more space but means updates installed so far can no longer be uninstalled — only use it when the PC is stable. Windows also runs this cleanup itself via the\Microsoft\Windows\Servicing\StartComponentCleanupscheduled task.
Sources
- Clean Up the WinSxS Folder — by Microsoft Learn
- DISM Operating System Package Servicing Command-Line Options — /Cleanup-Image — by Microsoft Learn
- Source reviewed
- 2026-11-02
- Link checked
- 2026-11-02
- Tested hands-on
- Not by Oddbyte.Me
Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.