I don't think it's that file. The size of his Windows folder adds up fine when you put the content together. At this point, maybe a clean install would be a more sensible option? Just copy over our important docs/pics/vids/etc. onto another partition or drive and go on with the install.
@shhnedo I haven't researched it thoroughly, but could this kind of issue behave differently on Windows 11 Home compared to Windows 11 LTSC?
Thank you for your answer, and also thanks to everyone else who tried to help me with this issue. I will most likely format the C: partition and reinstall Windows 11 Home or the latest LTSC version, as it should be lighter and more suitable for my laptop.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've already analyzed the drive with WizTree and even other members couldn't pinpoint what's using the missing disk space. Because of that, the current suspicion is that it's not Windows components but some hidden or user-related files. That's why I'm not sure Cleanmgr+ or Dism++ would address the actual issue, unless it turns out to be system-related.
Currently on canary there is a janky ntfs bug where $Extend\$Deleted does not get flushed and grows endlessly. (No tools are able to find these files, so the disk grows "for no reason") For example: VS2026/MSVC trigger this bug quite hard and my 250GB+ free space on C: are gone in 15mins Not knowing how msft operates, this bug may end up on Ge, so just in case for anyone hitting a similar bug: Try using an elevated prompt: fsutil volume flush C:
Yes it did, its my only way to survive on canary at the moment I *rely* on this command else i keep running out of space in short time
Hi Friend, just sharing my detective-like tool to scan, and give you selection what to choose. Spoiler RECOMMENDED FIRST RUN --------------------- 1. Extract the ZIP to a normal folder. 2. Double-click C-Drive-Space-Detective.cmd. 3. Choose 1 - Quick diagnosis. 4. Read the verdict and the generated report. 5. Use the dedicated menus only after the largest cause is known. update to version 1.2.0 Code: WHAT IS NEW IN v1.2.0: LARGER, EASIER-TO-READ CONSOLE DISK CLEANUP OPTION 7 IS NOW CLEARER SAFER VISIBLE CLEANUP PROGRESS DEEP-SCAN CANCEL KEY DELIVERY OPTIMIZATION WARNING cheers
It would be good idea upgrade C Drive 128GB to 512GB SSD?? This way you won't runs out of space.. I have Dell Laptop I just upgraded 512GB to 2TB NMve SSD (50/50 spaces C: 1TB, D: 1TB).. ATGPUD2003
@jagoanku Thank you for sending me the software so I could take a detailed look at which folders were taking up the most disk space. It definitely helped me identify the user files on my C: drive and move them to the D: drive. Thanks again, I really appreciate your help! @atgpud2003 I'm using a 1TB SSD, not a 128GB or 512GB drive. However, I have it split into two partitions: the C: drive is 122GB, and the D: drive contains the remaining space, around 830GB.
You can resize the 2 partitions from D: into C: drive to increase it C: drive? Have you done that?? ATGPUD2003
@atgpud2003 Since I have data stored on the D: partition, I haven't done it yet because I still need to back it up. To increase the size of the C: partition, I need to create Unallocated space by taking it from D: and placing that Unallocated space immediately to the right of C:. Since this process involves modifying the partition layout, I want to back up the data first. Without a backup, there is a risk of data loss if something goes wrong during the operation.