Help freeing up space deleting folder Microsoft Search file and Package Cache folder

Use the builtin Disk Cleanup Wizard to reclaim disk space without the risk of failure. It also has an option to cleanup System files, for example backups that were made before windoze updates were done.

Also delete the contents of \Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Downloads, as that is where all the downloads of Windoze updates/upgrades are saved.

If you uninstall Visual Studio you can delete the package cache. Otherwise no.  Get a bigger HD is the best solution.

try wiztree to see what occupies the space :  WizTree - The Fastest Disk Space Analyzer (diskanalyzer.com) 

Hi rind,

•  Disk Cleanup Wizard & have been done, no change

Hi David Johnson, CD,

• When u say "delete the package cache" after uninstalling VS, u mean delete the entice folder C:\ProgramData\Package Cache?
  

Hi nobus,

• Download wiztree, it is much faster than what I use WIndDIrStat, but show same result, no change of what to delete

the package cache is used by visual studio to store package installation files. if you uninstall Visual Studio you don't need the package cache.

Sorry, I want for me to be clear in understanding your entry, when u say 'package cache' u mean the entire folder of C:\ProgramData\Package Cache pertains to visual studio?

It may also contain other installers. I just checked on my computer and it contains .msi files that are used to repair applications. Otherwise to repair you will need the installation source files.

can you post a screenshot of wiztree?

That is what I thkught also, contain other installers & msi.

So it goes to my initial question,

• If not delete entirely, can I delete partially? (that is apps that are not important, delete that folder and when Windows need them, I just reinstall THAT app)

Here is the pix nobus,

Your drive is WAY WAY too small. You can get a 1TB for about $100 and it will make your life a lot easier

Yes I know, thank u, but here is a process, so it's not so fast.

Is there a way to delete partially? (what is your recommendation on this)

You have one .dell file of 50GB and one .on file of 45GB - together using about 40% of your storage. By the look of it they should be your the c:\users\<your userid> folder - can you locate them and show a screenshot using Windows Explorer. Do you know when they where created and what they might contain?

>> I have a computer low in disk storage 

When did you notice you are running out of storage, have you made any recent changes to this system? What was the available storage before, let's say 2 weeks ago?

Hi nobus,

Ran your recommendations and the below, no changes:

• Disk Cleanup – DONE, no difference
• C:\Users\ - delete an old user folders  – DONE, no need
• C:\Windows\Temp   – DONE, no difference
• C:\Windows\Logs – DONE, no difference
• C:\Windows\Software Distribution – doesn’t exist
• C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WER – doesn’t exist
• Clear browsers cache  – DONE, no difference

However, the below made a difference about 5gb recovered:

• Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
• Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase 
• powercfg -h off to disable hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file

Hi Gerwin Jansen,

Thos 2 big files are volumes in use and the noticed it some time back, no importance until needed some space.

Experts, though nobus helped on my storage issue, I am assuming since there is no info regarding reducing its size (C:\ProgramData\Package Cache and C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows), then neither can be reduced.

Is there is a way, please, if not let me know to close the question.

Thank u! That makes great sense and I have an external for this! (I need a work done i need as much space on this PC)

To close the question, what abouts C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows any ideas how to reduce it or if it could be deleted?

have you already changed the location of the user files i.e. Music ,Documents, Pictures, Downloads by right clicking on the folder selecting properties/location?

No, that is not wanted, is needed.  With nobus recommendation we recover @5gb (i think is sufficient for what is going to be done).

You have recommendation C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows on how to reduce it or if it could be deleted? 

Thank u