A buggy Windows 11 update falsely eats up 8.63GB of your storage but affected users need not to worry

A buggy Windows 11 update falsely eats up 8.63GB of your storage but affected users need not to worry

What you need to know

  • Following the Windows 11 2024 Update, some PCs appeared to be unable to delete 8.63GB of files, even after using the Windows 11 Disk Cleanup tool.
  • Microsoft has since clarified that Disk Cleanup may report space available incorrectly when running Windows 11 version 24H2 (Windows 11 2024 Update).
  • Microsoft is working on a solution to the problem and will share more information when it becomes available.

As a seasoned technology user with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the latest saga involving Windows 11 and its persistent storage issue is a rollercoaster ride that never seems to end. It’s like a game of whack-a-mole, where one problem gets solved, only for another to pop up right behind it.


Users of Windows 11 experienced a surprise upon installing the Windows 11 2024 Update (Windows 11 version 24H2) last week, as some systems displayed approximately 8.63GB of files that couldn’t be deleted. Running the Windows Disk Cleanup tool didn’t seem to affect these files. However, Microsoft has now confirmed that a problem might cause Windows 11 to incorrectly show how much storage space can be freed.

On certain occasions, when you’ve employed the Windows Disk Cleanup tool, the estimated disk space that could be cleared within the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ section might not be accurate. (Microsoft support page)

Important to remember: When you select ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ and use Disk Cleanup for the first time, it will remove the necessary files (like 15 GB) as expected. However, after this first use, the tool might incorrectly show a larger amount of space (such as 88 GB) that can be cleaned up in the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ section. This inaccurate amount is displayed even though the space was already freed during the initial run.

What’s next for the Windows 11 storage issue?

A buggy Windows 11 update falsely eats up 8.63GB of your storage but affected users need not to worry

Following Microsoft’s acknowledgement of the problem causing the Windows 11 storage glitch, they are now set to develop a remedy. They assure us they’ll share updates once a solution is ready, but the timeline might differ due to the fact that some fixes can be implemented swiftly while others may require additional time for refinement.

Windows 11 version 24H2 has several known issues. Microsoft lists all of them on a support page:

  • Safe Exam Browser application might fail to open
    Devices running version 3.7 or lower versions of this application are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2.
  • Some devices using Easy Anti-Cheat stop responding and receive a blue screen
    Older driver versions of the Easy Anti-Cheat application are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2
  • Fingerprint sensors might experience problems after a device is locked
    Several device models are affected. A compatibility hold is in place. Updating device firmware might resolve the issue.
  • Wallpaper customization applications might not work as expected
    Multiple applications are affected. A compatibility hold is in place. Updating applications might resolve the issue.
  • Disk Cleanup might incorrectly report space available for cleanup
    Despite cleaning up files, the application might display an incorrect estimate of space still available for cleanup
  • Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers
    Windows 11, version 24H2 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen.
  • Asphalt 8 might periodically stop responding
    Devices running Asphalt 8 might see an exception and compatibility hold has been applied to safeguard update experience.

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2024-10-15 17:38