Historically, cleansing your system after upgrading to a new version of Windows often resulted in a significant reduction of disk space usage, allowing users to reclaim gigabytes of valuable storage. Windows utilized to automatically eliminate unnecessary old update files, resulting in a more spacious hard drive.
However, the narrative has shifted with the introduction of Windows 11 version 24H2. Now, during your post-upgrade cleanup efforts, you may observe that Windows 11 stubbornly retains over 8 gigabytes of storage space.
In essence: This data is persistent and cannot be eradicated using the Cleanup tool integrated into Settings, the classic Disk Cleanup utility, or via DISM commands.
A Shift in Update Management in Windows 11 Version 24H2
To fully grasp the implications of this change, it’s essential to revisit how updates were managed prior to the 24H2 version of Windows 11.
The initial release version of Windows 11, along with any feature updates, served as the foundational baselines for subsequent updates. Each successive update operated as a cumulative update, incorporating all modifications made since the last baseline. This incremental approach resulted in an accumulation of data over time.
With the 24H2 update, Microsoft has introduced what are known as checkpoint updates, which establish new baselines for specific feature updates.
While this transition is beneficial in terms of reducing the size of cumulative updates, which now reference these more recent baselines, it has a notable downside: the update data generated might still be necessary.
At present, users are perplexed by the inability to remove several gigabytes of update data from their Windows 11 devices. What’s particularly troubling is the lack of communication from Microsoft regarding this issue. Users are left wondering why their attempts to delete this 8.x gigabyte of temporary update data through cleanup apps are unsuccessful.
That said, it is likely this situation will be addressed in upcoming updates. For the moment, many users may perceive this as a glitch.
Navigating Disk Cleanup Tools in Windows 11 Version 24H2
Fortunately, you still have multiple methods to access disk cleanup tools in Windows 11, whether you’re using version 24H2 or earlier iterations.
Utilizing the Settings App for Cleanup
- Access the Start menu.
- Click on Settings.
- Navigate to System > Storage.
- Select Temporary Files.
This will present you with a compilation of various temporary file types on your system, giving you the option to delete none, some, or all of them.
Employing the Classic Disk Cleanup Tool
- Open the Start menu.
- Type Disk Cleanup into the search bar.
- Select the corresponding result to launch the utility.
- Ensure that C: drive is chosen.
- Click OK.
- Select Clean up system files.
- Hit OK again.
Here, you will find various locations housing temporary files. You can check the items you wish to eradicate and click OK to commence deletion.
It’s important to note that Microsoft may decide to phase out this tool in favor of the Settings app cleanup utility, encouraging users to adopt the newer method.
What are your thoughts? Do you prefer smaller update files at the cost of greater disk space usage, or do you favor larger updates that efficiently free up storage? Share your insights in the comments below! (via Deskmodder)
Additional Insights
1. Why can I not delete certain update files in Windows 11 version 24H2?
The inability to delete these files is due to Microsoft’s new checkpoint update system, which retains a significant amount of update data post-cleanup to ensure system integrity.
2. Will Microsoft address the cleanup issues in future updates?
It is highly likely that Microsoft will provide clarification or fixes related to the cleanup process in future updates, as this situation has raised considerable user concern.
3. What are the best tools for managing temporary files in Windows 11?
The recommended tools for managing temporary files in Windows 11 include the Settings app for direct cleanup and the classic Disk Cleanup utility for a more comprehensive approach.
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