This hidden Windows folder can grow forever - here’s how to clean it safely
MakeUseOf••technology
Key Points:
- The C:\Windows\Installer folder on Windows PCs stores backup copies of MSI and MSP files essential for app repairs, updates, and uninstalls, and can grow quietly to 30–50GB over time.
- Manually deleting files from this folder is risky and can break installed applications or prevent updates, so Microsoft advises against indiscriminate cleanup.
- The safest manual cleanup involves deleting files only from the $PatchCache$ subfolder, which contains older patch files often safe to remove, but users should wait before permanently deleting them.
- Tools like PatchCleaner can identify orphaned installer files no longer needed by the system, allowing safer removal after careful review and backup.
- Beginners should first use Windows’ built-in cleanup
