Windows 11 bug steals 8.63GB of storage space that you can’t get back

Windows 11 bug steals 8.63GB of storage space that you can't get back

What you need to know

  • After updating to the Windows 11 2024 Update, PCs are showing an 8.63GB set of files that cannot be deleted.
  • Major Windows 11 upgrades usually leave a large chunk of files on a system, but you have the option to delete those files.
  • Several people have reported the storage bug after installing the Windows 11 2024 Update, and we have been able to replicate it on several PCs.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of software updates that either revolutionize our digital lives or leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment. The latest Windows 11 2024 Update falls squarely into the latter category, unfortunately.


Microsoft has just released the Windows 11 2024 Update, introducing novel features and enhancing system performance on computers. However, this update seems to have inadvertently introduced a glitch that appears to be using approximately 8.63GB of your system’s storage. Post-update, these supposed files will show up in the “Windows Update Cleanup” section under Temporary files. While Windows offers an option to delete these files, choosing to do so doesn’t actually free up space on your PC.

Following the upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11, you might notice a significant number of files. Typically, these files can be deleted at your discretion. However, it seems that after the Windows 11 2024 Update, this option to delete these files is not available.

There’s some discussion about whether the persistence of 8.63GB worth of files on various systems is caused by a software glitch or not. Given that Windows has enabled users to eliminate such files for quite some time, it seems improbable that this would suddenly change. If there were indeed changes in Windows 11 that necessitated these files remaining, it would be problematic because Storage Sense would display them. Displaying 8.63GB of deletable files only to find out they can’t be deleted is a frustrating user experience.

Multiple platforms, such as Eleven Forum users and participants of My Digital Life, have brought up the recurring problem concerning storage. This issue has also gained attention from Neowin, and our team has successfully reproduced it on various personal computers.

What’s new in Windows 11 2024 Update?

It would be great if Microsoft addresses the storage issue found in the Windows 11 2024 Update, as this update brings numerous enhancements. In particular, Microsoft has made substantial alterations to the foundation of Windows with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2. Consequently, there’s a discernible boost in performance when using the most recent iteration of the operating system.

Although the Windows 11 2024 Update was primarily designed for computers that officially receive updates, some unsupported systems have experienced an improvement in performance following the upgrade.

As a researcher delving into the latest technological advancements, I’d like to share some key updates that will be rolled out with the Windows 11 2024 Update. According to our Senior Editor, Zac Bowden, here are the most significant transformations you can expect:

  • File Explorer home tab now includes updated layout with shared documents
  • You can now duplicate tabs by right-clicking the tab.
  • Context Menu layout has been updated with better labelling to be easier to use.
  • You can now create .7z and .TAR archive formats. 
  • You can view your Android phone’s file system directly in File Explorer
  • A new Outlook app for email, calendar, and contact is included
  • Microsoft has updated Copilot as a standalone web app
  • Photos now includes AI-enhanced generative erase and background editing
  • Windows Update now supports checkpoints and hot patching for faster and less obtrusive updates
  • Voice Clarity uses AI to remove background noise picked up by your microphone in supported apps
  • Power settings for plugged/unplugged state can now be configured simultaneously
  • A new Energy Saver mode replaces battery saver and applies to both laptops and desktops
  • You can now configure mouse scroll wheel direction in Settings
  • Wi-Fi 7 hardware is now supported
  • New PRISM emulation layer makes x86 emulated apps run better on Arm
  • Arm-based devices should now run smoother
  • Phone Link is now integrated with the Start menu
  • Taskbar system tray layout has been simplified
  • Quick Settings has been rebuilt to be faster and more customizable
  • Windows Spotlight image is now the default wallpaper setting
  • You can now set HDR images as a desktop wallpaper

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2024-10-10 17:09