7 Essential files and folders you should never delete on windows (2024)

Therefore, when it comes to clearing large files and folders occupying computer storage, you should never delete or modify these seven windows files and folders. If mistakenly done, it could crash your system and result in damaged files, lost data and unstable windows.To prevent any miserable data loss in your Windows computer, avoid deleting these seven windows files and folders.

Program files folder: Program files named folder contains all the programs that are installed in your PC by default. So deleting this folder will result in a crash or malfunction in the system and lead to data loss.

WinSxS folder: It comes under the windows folder that is abbreviated for windows side by side. The main function of this folder is to solve compatibility issues with Windows old versions and contains library files for the programs. So deleting it is a big no.

System32 folder: It also comes under the windows folder other than winsxs. This is because system32 contains many library files essential for default windows programs such as system boot, calculated or paint.

Windows folder: All the files and folders come under this folder, and it is crucial to run windows smoothly. That’s why it doesn’t require any modification or change by the user.

System volume information folder: This folder comes under the partition where P.C. windows is installed. System volume information contains several drive partition data where restore ports of your system is also located.

Swapfile.sys file: This file is contained in the root of your computer system drive. This file is required by the Windows operating system to save RAM data when P.C. goes hibernation mode. So one should avoid any modification in this file.

Pagefile.sys file: Similar to swapfile, the pagefile is under windows hidden files that function the RAM data to the hard drive of a PC. So, there should be no action taken against this file while clearing the storage space in your Computer.

Conclusion

Be cautious when you are deleting or modifying files on your computer. Messing up with these seven files and folders can perform serious damage to your system by crashing or damaging the windows operating system. In case you did, make sure to call a data recovery professional to get the best suitable data recovery solutions for accidentally deleted files and folders.

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7 Essential files and folders you should never delete on windows (2024)

FAQs

What files should you never delete on Windows? ›

sys, swapfile. sys folder is a subfolder to store temporary data from Windows Universal apps. It can create temporary storage space for your drives when the system runs low on memory. If you delete the folder, you will corrupt Windows and Windows may not start again.

What files are safe to delete from a Windows folder? ›

Windows suggests different types of files you can remove, including recycle bin files, Windows Update Cleanup files, upgrade log files, device driver packages, temporary internet files, and temporary files.

What files can I delete to free up space on Windows 10? ›

Free up space with Cleanup recommendations

Review each of the categories, including Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps, and select the items you'd like to remove. Windows will suggest files for you and show the amount of space you'll save when you remove those items.

What files are essential files necessary for running Windows? ›

In the system32 folder there is a file called ' explorer.exe' is the most important file because it responsible for executing the OS…. > What is the most important file on a Windows computer? ntoskrnl.exe the Operating System Kernel (it is the OS in some real sense).

What useless files can I delete? ›

What are the main types of junk files?
  • Temporary Internet Files. Also known as your browser cache files, these files save elements from a website — like video or audio — so the site can load more quickly when you visit it again. ...
  • Temporary System Files. ...
  • Installer Files. ...
  • Thumbnails. ...
  • Deleted/Recycle Bin Files.
May 18, 2022

What should I not delete from my PC? ›

However, please note that certain folders like Program Files and Windows contain essential system files that must not be deleted, as doing so could result in severe damage to your computer.

What can I delete to free up space? ›

  1. Close apps that don't respond. You don't usually need to close apps. ...
  2. Uninstall apps you don't use. If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. ...
  3. Clear the app's cache & data. You can usually clear an app's cache and data with your phone's Settings app.

What should I delete if my C drive is full? ›

Using the tool, you can:
  1. Delete system temporary files;
  2. Delete system prefetch files;
  3. Execute a system file checker;
  4. Empty the recycle bin;
  5. Clear history, cookies, and cache for the installed web browsers;
  6. Disable search indexing; and.
  7. Enable storage sense.

How do I free up space on Windows? ›

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations. Open Storage settings.
  2. Select the temporary files, unused files, files synced to the cloud, or unused apps you want to remove, then select the Clean up button for each section.

What is taking up all my storage? ›

Right-click on the Windows Start button and then click Settings. From the left sidebar, select the System tab. In the right pane, click Storage. In this section, you can see what type of data occupies the most space on your currently crowded and other drives.

How do I completely free up storage space? ›

How to clean up your phone storage
  1. Check your storage use.
  2. Delete or offload apps you haven't been using.
  3. Optimize photo storage.
  4. Clear your cache.
  5. Delete downloads.
  6. Delete photos sent and received in message apps.
Feb 26, 2024

Is there a free program to clean up my computer? ›

CCleaner helps you cleans up these files, temporarily freeze apps when you're not using them, and update software drivers to make your PC faster.

What folder should you never delete? ›

Program files folder: Program files named folder contains all the programs that are installed in your PC by default. So deleting this folder will result in a crash or malfunction in the system and lead to data loss. WinSxS folder: It comes under the windows folder that is abbreviated for windows side by side.

What files are safe to delete on Windows 10? ›

Recycle Bin: While you can empty the Recycle Bin through its window, you can also do it easily here. Temporary files: As their name suggests, temporary files aren't used for anything in the long-term, so you can erase them without worry.

What are 5 main folders in Windows PC? ›

Answer. Answer: Windows 10's This PC evolves from its previous version's My Computer, and keeps its default six folders: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Videos, the last five of which are, like library folders.

What files are safe to delete in Disk Cleanup? ›

Disk Cleanup operates by scanning your hard drive for files that are safe to delete. These files may include temporary internet files, downloaded program files, thumbnails, system files, error reports, previous Windows installations, and more.

Is it safe to delete old Windows files? ›

You can delete it, but keep in mind that you'll be deleting your Windows. old folder, which contains files that give you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows.

How do I know what files to delete on my PC? ›

In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results. Select the drive you want to clean up, and then select OK. Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of. To get a description of the file type, select it.

Which temporary files are safe to delete in Windows 10? ›

Generally speaking, all files in the temporary folder can be safely deleted. As mentioned before, the purpose of a temporary file is to store temporary information so that the task can be read when it is running to shorten the loading time, and it cannot determine the execution of the task.

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