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How to Fix System Volume Information Large Size Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 sometimes shows a very large “System Volume Information” folder on your drive. This can take up a lot of space, making it hard to manage your storage. Luckily, fixing this is usually straightforward.

The “System Volume Information” folder stores important system files like restore points and indexing data. However, it can grow unexpectedly large due to system settings or errors.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and effective steps to reduce the size of this folder safely. No advanced knowledge is needed.

Follow each step carefully to free up space and keep your system running smoothly.

Quick Note

Before you begin, please keep the following in mind:

  • Make sure you have administrative rights on your Windows 11 PC.
  • Do not delete the “System Volume Information” folder manually, as it contains critical system data.
  • Create a system restore point before making changes to avoid accidental data loss.
  • Check your available disk space and note the current size of the folder for comparison.

Step 1: Check and Delete Old System Restore Points

System restore points take up space in the “System Volume Information” folder. Deleting older restore points can free up significant space.

  1. Press Win + S and type Create a restore point. Click the matching result to open System Properties.
  2. Under the System Protection tab, select your system drive (usually C:) and click Configure.
  3. Click Delete to remove all restore points. This will clear the space used by old restore points.
  4. Optionally, adjust the Max Usage slider to limit how much space restore points can use in the future.
  5. Click OK to save changes.

Why this matters: Restore points help recover your system but can accumulate over time. Managing their size prevents excessive disk usage.

Step 2: Disable and Re-enable System Protection (Optional)

If the folder remains large, turning off system protection temporarily can clear stored data.

  1. Open System Properties as shown in Step 1.
  2. Select your system drive and click Configure.
  3. Choose Disable system protection and click Apply. This deletes all existing restore points.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Repeat the steps to enable system protection again by selecting Turn on system protection.

Important: Disabling protection removes all restore points, so only do this if you are sure you don’t need them right now.

Step 3: Use Disk Cleanup to Remove Shadow Copies

Shadow copies and other system files can also take space inside the folder. Disk Cleanup helps remove these safely.

  1. Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open the app.
  2. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
  3. Click Clean up system files. You might need to select the drive again.
  4. Find and check System Restore and Shadow Copies.
  5. Click OK and confirm to delete these files.

Why use this: Disk Cleanup removes unneeded system files safely, freeing disk space without manual risk.

Step 4: Adjust System Restore Space Allocation via Command Prompt

You can also control how much space System Restore uses by running a simple command.

  1. Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    3. vssadmin resize shadowstorage /on=C: /for=C: /maxsize=5GB
  3. This example sets the restore point storage limit to 5 GB. You can change 5GB to a size that suits you.
  4. Close the terminal and restart your PC.

Why this helps: Limiting storage prevents the folder from growing too large over time.

Alternative Method: Disable Indexing on System Volume Information Folder

The folder also contains indexing files which can increase its size. Disabling indexing can help reduce space usage.

  1. Open This PC and navigate to the root of your system drive (usually C:).
  2. Click View on the menu and enable Hidden items to see hidden folders.
  3. Right-click on System Volume Information and select Properties.
  4. Click the Advanced button.
  5. Uncheck Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties.
  6. Click OK and then Apply.

Note: You might need special permissions to access this folder. Proceed only if you are comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the System Volume Information folder?

It is a hidden folder used by Windows to store system restore points, shadow copies, and indexing data.

Can I delete the System Volume Information folder?

No. Deleting it manually can cause system instability. Instead, manage its size using the methods above.

Why is the folder so large?

It often grows due to accumulated restore points, shadow copies, or system indexing files.

Will disabling system protection harm my PC?

Disabling system protection removes restore points, so you won’t be able to roll back system changes until you enable it again.

How often should I clean up this folder?

Checking and managing it every few months is usually enough, or when you notice low disk space.

When Nothing Works

If you still face issues with the “System Volume Information” folder size after trying these steps, consider these options:

  • Run the System File Checker by opening Command Prompt (Admin) and typing sfc /scannow. This fixes corrupted system files.
  • Use the DISM tool with commands like DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows images.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support website for detailed troubleshooting guides and tools.
  • As a last resort, consider backing up your data and performing a Windows reset or clean installation.

Conclusion

The “System Volume Information” folder is vital but can become too large, affecting your storage. By managing restore points, using Disk Cleanup, and adjusting system settings, you can safely reduce its size.

Always proceed carefully, back up important data, and avoid deleting system folders manually. Regular maintenance helps keep your Windows 11 system healthy and responsive.

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