Analyze the WinSxS Component Store with DISM
Run DISM /AnalyzeComponentStore to measure true WinSxS size and get a recommendation before cleaning it up.
Run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore as admin and read the 'Component Store Cleanup Recommended: Yes/No' line.
01Command
Command
$ Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore02What it does
WinSxS looks enormous in Explorer because every hardlink is counted as a full copy; AnalyzeComponentStore reports both the actual (hardlink-aware) size and whether cleanup is worth doing. If it says Yes, follow with /StartComponentCleanup (or /ResetBase, which removes superseded components permanently and blocks uninstalling current updates). This is analysis only — unlike /RestoreHealth it changes nothing.
03Risk
!Warning: /ResetBase makes all existing updates permanent — you will no longer be able to uninstall them, so avoid it before evaluating a problematic update.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- Clean up the WinSxS folderEvidence: Explains /AnalyzeComponentStore output fields and when /StartComponentCleanup is recommended.
Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings