Windows Folder Size 24gb

**aneeqa** · 10-09-2010

On my system I have Windows 7 64-bit as the operating system. It is basically Windows 7 Ultimate. I was just going through the folders in the C: drive. Accidentally or say unknowingly I placed the mouse-cursor on the C:\Windows folder. I was shocked to see the size of that folder, it was about 24GB. I did not find it normal, is it? Also the Temp folder is also showing around 5GB. I doubt clearing the folders and even entering the Windows folder. Help me with this.

**ThoMas321** · 10-09-2010

I did not get the main theme of the query. What is actually making you worry and about what? It is after all Windows 7 and it takes that much space. Why do you want to enter into the Windows folder? As far as I know, it is safe to enter the Temp folder. They all contain temporary files and they are all intended to be removed automatically. Usually it does not happen that way, so one can do it manually.

**Macarenas** · 10-09-2010

The size of the Windows folder is 24GB, why were you shocked? The Operating System requires about 20GB if it is 64 bit. If it is 32 bit then it will require a little less then 20GB. I f you have some programs then it might reach the 24GB as yours. If you did an upgrade or custom install you may have a windows.old folder that can be deleted. It may also be because of the space that it takes for the backup or system restore or etc.

**Glenny** · 10-09-2010

I think the folder size that you have talked about is seriously large. At this moment I would tell you that this may happen, but it is worth checking file and folder size with a tool like SpaceMonger. It can be used to see where that particular usage is being reported. Also you will have to take into account that the Windows folder size reported by folder properties is doubled due to hardlinks.

**aneeqa** · 10-09-2010

I have tried the clean install of Windows 7 x64 Professional. I ran a disk cleanup and all the temporary files were removed by it, but nothing was deleted inside of c:\Windows\Temp. I guess that the Disk Cleanup utility removes the temps files within C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Temp not the c:\Windows\Temp folder. I usually don't like touching the Windows\Temp folder - I've never seen the after effects of deleting it under Windows 7.

**Eric B** · 14-09-2010

I am in total agreement with yours. Temp is just a temporary folder I've cleaned it for years with no ill effects across many Windows versions. With few exceptions, on a Windows 7 machine most of the data you'll find in your %windir%\Temp folder is left behind by Windows Update
or problem report data (which is periodically sent to MS unless you've disabled it).