Windows contains countless default files and folders, many of which the average user shouldn’t touch. Here are five folders you should leave alone to avoid damaging your system.
1. Program Files And Program Files (X86)
Located at C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)
Whenever you install software, you usually open up an EXE file and run through an installation process (if not, you’re using a portable app). During this time, the app creates an entry for itself in the Program Files folder, adds Registry values, and performs other tasks that it needs to work properly on your system.
With rare exceptions, you should never need to touch a program’s data in these folders. They contain configuration information that the program needs to function. If you start messing with these, you could screw up an app and have to reinstall it.
Further, when you want to uninstall software, the proper way to do it is through Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Deleting an app’s folder from Program Files doesn’t remove other references to it on your system, and thus is not a clean uninstall.
2. System32
Located at C:\Windows\System32
Nearly everything in the C:\Windows folder could fall under this list, but the System32 folder deserves special attention. It holds hundreds of DLL files that are essential to your computer running properly, as well as system programs.
Some examples include the service that handles sound on your PC, files that are essential to booting into Windows, resources that make fonts display correctly, and more. Also contained in this folder are executables for default Windows programs. For instance, calc.exe launches the Calculator, while mspaint.exe launches Microsoft Paint.
While most people don’t really have a reason to ever visit System32, it’s been the topic of a long-running internet joke. Some people like to mess with novice users and tell them that System32 is a virus, or that deleting it will make their computers run faster.
3. WinSxS
WinSxS stands for Windows Side By Side and was created in response to an issue that made working with Windows 9x versions a pain. The colloquial term “DLL Hell” describes the problems that arise when dynamic link library (DLL) files conflict, duplicate, or break.
To fix this, Microsoft started using the WinSxS folder to collect multiple versions of every DLL and load them on demand when Windows runs a program. This increases compatibility, such as when a program needs access to an older DLL that’s no longer part of Windows.
The longer you use Windows, the bigger this folder becomes. As you might guess, trying to pick and choose files to delete out of this is a bad idea. You shouldn’t ever visit this folder directly; instead, use the Disk Cleanup tool as part of a cleaning route to clear out unneeded files.
4. System Volume Information
Located at C:\System Volume Information (hidden if Hide protected operating system files is checked.)
Another large folder that doesn’t have an obvious purpose, the System Volume Information folder actually contains several important Windows functions. In fact, when you try to access it, Windows will give you an Access Denied error.
This folder contains the System Restore points that your computer creates so you can jump back to reverse changes. To decrease this folder’s size, you can type Restore Point into the Start Menu and click Create a Restore Point. In this window, click your C: drive and choose Configure.
5. Pagefile.sys File
Pagefile.sys file is hidden on Windows. But you can enable “Show Hidden Files and Folders” option to view it. Windows uses this file as virtual memory. By default, your PC will firstly use your RAM to store data. But if RAM becomes full, Windows will move all the data from RAM to the hard drive within the Page file. It can maintain performance of your computer. So, although it may take up some space, you still had better leave it alone.
6. Swapfile.sys File
Similar to “Pagefile.sys” file, “Swapfile.sys” file is also stored in the root of your PC system drive. It’s utilized by Windows operating system to save all data of RAM in hibernation mode. Moreover, it also helps enable the “hybrid boot” fast booting in Windows 8 and 10. Therefore, it is wise not to mess up with this file, either.
Hope this information will be helpful to you. Don’t forget to subscribe for quick updates. And always remember this valuable information whenever using Windows. Happy Computing!!
