Are you wondering whether you should compress your OS drive? You will find comprehensive information in this guide, so continue reading.
It has an NTFS file system and a compression feature called “Compress your OS drive.” If the operating system drive is in another file system, you cannot utilise this function. Nevertheless, it would be safe to utilise because it won’t result in data loss. In the Windows update released in February 2019, the feature was added.
Your computer’s operating system drive may be running low on space. You’re considering selecting Disk cleanup to compress your OS Drive right now. This will remove the disc space warning and free up a few GB of space.
However, because of the need to decompress, it will strain the CPU and RAM. The major issue is whether or not to compress your OS drive.
We have provided comprehensive information on how to find your answer below.
Compress the OS Drive. OS Windows 10
Many users have reported seeing the Compress Your OS Drive option beneath the Files To delete column while performing disc cleanup. You can start Disk Cleanup in case your C drive fills up.
You can choose to compress your OS drive over there. By doing this, you can free up roughly 10 GB of space, which will make running out of disc space invisible.
To save space, we advise against compressing your OS drive. In Windows 10, the drive makes use of the recently released compression algorithms XPRESS and LZX.
It will therefore compress the files on the C drive if you choose this option. It won’t delete any files from your hard drive or result in any data loss, thus it is very safe.
No matter how fast your CPU is, it will be difficult for the CPU to read and write, so we won’t recommend doing this to free up space. When the Windows OS requires it, it will decompress the files as needed. Again, it will take time to compress the files after using them.
As a result, it takes a long time and slows down your computer. Because doing so will have an adverse reason on your computer’s performance, we won’t advise you to free up space using disc cleanup compress.
How Can I Decompress My OS Drive?
Below are the steps to decompress the OS drive in the event that you have already used the option to free up space.
- You must first open File Explorer, then find the C drive. It requires a right-click.
- Select the Properties option item after that.
- Uncheck the box next to “Compress this drive to preserve disc space” on the General page.
- Select the Apply option, and then select the OK option to complete your order. This will implement the modifications into effect.
- To complete the process, wait 10 minutes.
OS Drive Compression and OS Compact
Windows 10 now has a new feature called Compact OS. Additionally, you can run the OS from compressed files and it reduces the size of the OS. It is important to notice that this feature is supported by both UEFI- and BIOS-based devices.
The instructions for using the compact OS to free up disc space are listed below. Additionally, it lessens the OS footprint, which makes installation considerably simpler.
- Pressing the start button is the first step. Type the Command Prompt in the search box.
- After the Command Prompt has opened, choose “Run as administrator.” Windows for the Administrator Command Prompt will open. Hit the Enter-key after entering the command “compact/compact OS: always”.
- Give it a type to complete the procedure. Don’t switch the computer off throughout the procedure, either.
But the real question is whether compressing your OS drive is similar to the compact OS. There are questions regarding the performance of the system files or Windows applications in relation to the effects of the compressed OS.
Numerous users have also mentioned that after turning on the feature, the performance of the tiny OS is not much affected. As a result, we might conclude that the two features are similar.
How to Expand the Space Available for Disk Cleanup
There are several different solutions to your space problem. Here, we’ve mentioned a few ways of selecting the OS drive compress feature that can help you free up more space.
Additionally, you can manually delete the files and create space using the third-party programme. Disk cleansing isn’t the only way to free space available; there are other alternatives as well.
1. Disk Cleanup Alternatives to Defragment and Compress the OS Drive
Compressing files may undoubtedly free up space on your computer, but it will also harm your computer. Decompressing the file to open it therefore consumes a lot of RAM and CPU resources, and your antivirus programme may malfunction.
From now on, loading incorrectly scans compressed files for malware and viruses You can get assistance from EaseUS Partition Master in resolving the low disc space issue.
It will delete extra space by deleting a partition. The partition size can also be changed with this tool without any data being lost.
You can extend the partition using a feature called “Extend feature.” Therefore, you may utilise any free or unused space entirely. It contains a tonne of features and can be downloaded for free. You have received complete instructions from us.
Extend System C Drive’s Available Space
You must first select a right-click on the system drive, C:, and then choose the Resize/Move option.
The system partition end must then be moved into the designated space so that it may be added to the C: drive. Pressing the Okay option should allow this.
To put the changes into effect, choose Execute Operation and then click Apply.
Extend System C Drive Size Without Additional Space
- You must first perform a right-click on the system disc. Choose a large partition with plenty of free space, and then select the space option.
- After that, you must choose the system drive at the section’s designated space starting with *. As confirmation, select the OK option.
- To save the modifications and extend the C drive, click the Execute operation, then choose the Apply option.
2. Manually Deleting Files
Manually removing the files is another option to free space available. We’ve spoken about a few ways to support you:
Get delete of temporary files
The following is a list of the steps to delete temporary files:
- To begin, you must first select a right-click on the C drive and choose Properties.
- After that, choose Disk Cleanup from the General menu.
- Next, select the files you want to delete from the list.
Delete big files Operating system drive
We have devised ways to find huge files and delete them from the OS drive:
- Press Windows+R while holding down the option, and then type “control.exe” in the appropriate space of the Run dialogue box.
- Next, enter file in the Control Panel search box and choose the File Explorer and View options.
- Next, deselect the option labelled Hide Protected Operating System Files and choose Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drivers.
- Choose the Apply option, then the OK option.
- You’ll notice a file named hiberfil.sys in the root directory of the OS drive; delete it.
Conclusion…
We hope you now understand the answer to the question, “Should I compress my OS Drive?” A precise answer and an adequate justification are provided. In addition, we have mentioned some more ways to your issue.
For your information, the hibernate mode can consume a significant amount of space if it is enabled. To clear space, you can also simply delete the hibernation file.
Performing it manually carries some risk because any crucial files could be lost and the OS could become damaged. You can fix the problem without downloading by using any third-party application.
