Storage Issue Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft fixes storage-hogging Windows 11 folder

Microsoft has released an optional update, KB5095093, in June 2026 to address a storage issue affecting Windows 11 users related to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which manages app permissions. Users have reported the file size increasing significantly, with some reaching up to 500GB, due to continuous logging of access requests and privacy controls. To install the update, users should go to Settings, select “Windows Update,” then “Advanced options,” and check for optional updates.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft just confirmed that this Windows 11 bug is hoarding up to 500GB of your storage

Microsoft has acknowledged a storage issue related to the Capability Access Manager service in Windows 11, which can consume up to 500GB of SSD space due to a bug causing the log file, CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, to inflate to gigabytes instead of a few megabytes. Users have reported file sizes reaching 200GB and even 513GB. The issue can be checked via Settings > Storage > System & reserved or by using a command in the Windows Command Prompt. Microsoft plans to address this in the June KB5095093 update, which will improve disk space usage for the log file, with updates expected to roll out starting July 14.

Winsage

July 6, 2026

Microsoft finally fixes bug that broke all major Windows 11 core UI components on some PCs

Microsoft introduced an update to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, identified as KB5095189, targeting versions 25H2 and 24H2. This update includes enhancements and fixes, coinciding with additional updates KB5102558 and KB5095615 from the June C-release preview update (KB5095093). A major fix addresses a storage issue caused by the Capability Access Manager process, which was consuming significant disk space. Another fix resolves a malfunction affecting Shell components, impacting the Start menu, Search bar, Settings, Taskbar, and File Explorer, primarily on provisioned PCs due to compatibility issues with XAML. This bug had been present since July 2025 and is being resolved with updates released starting June 23, 2026 (KB5095093), with full deployment expected in the following month. Users are advised to use previous workarounds until the fix is fully available. Further details can be found in support article KB5072911 on Microsoft's website.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

Windows 10 support extended to 2027 for free — Is this Microsoft admitting Windows 11 isn’t enough?

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, prompting concerns among users. In response, the company extended support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing continued access to essential patches until October 14, 2027, at no cost for users with a Microsoft account. The Restart Project criticized this late intervention, while users expressed mixed reactions, with some considering a switch to Linux due to rising hardware costs and dissatisfaction with Windows 11. A recent HP survey indicated that 30% of HP PCs were still running Windows 10, down from 50% in September 2025. Microsoft's decision to extend support for Windows 10 has raised questions about the adequacy of Windows 11, which surpassed Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system globally in July 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2026

Microsoft says, for once, Windows update isn’t to blame for Galaxy Book4 laptops losing access to C: drive — the Galaxy Connect app was the culprit, and it’s been taken down from Microsoft Store

In early February, users of Samsung's Galaxy Book4 laptops reported storage issues, specifically error messages stating, "C: is not accessible," which locked them out of their primary drive. Investigations by Microsoft and Samsung identified the Galaxy Connect app, preinstalled on these devices, as the cause of the problem due to its interaction with Windows that revoked permissions. Reports of the issue surfaced before the February 2026 security update for Windows 11, which was initially suspected to be the trigger. Microsoft acknowledged the problem on its website about ten days prior to March 16, when it was marked as "externally resolved." To help affected users, Microsoft provided a recovery article and both companies removed the Galaxy Connect app from their stores, replacing it with an older version. Only users who experienced the issue need to take action to restore their systems.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

‘There are no easy solutions’: Helldivers 2 dev explains why PC version needs 3x more storage than consoles

The PC version of Helldivers 2 requires approximately 150GB of storage, which is three times more than the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions. The larger install size is primarily due to the need to accommodate players using mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs), leading to the duplication of certain data files for quicker access during loading times. In contrast, most modern consoles and high-end PCs use solid-state drives (SSDs), which provide faster data access. About 12% of PC players still rely on HDDs, complicating optimization efforts. Arrowhead Game Studios plans a three-stage approach to address the storage issue, including an update to remove unused assets and exploring bundling frequently used assets. Future enhancements to the game engine may optimize RAM usage, but further improvements will require more extensive projects.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Helldivers 2 dev explains why the PC version takes a million years to update and has 3X the filesize of the console versions: old, undemocratic hard drives

Brendan Armstrong, the deputy technical director at Arrowhead Game Studios, explained that Helldivers 2's file size on PC is approximately 150GB due to the use of hard disk drives (HDDs) by many players, compared to the smaller size on consoles. To improve loading times for HDD users, the game duplicates certain data files, which helps reduce the "seek" time that can bottleneck performance. Armstrong estimated that around 12% of players still use HDDs. He discussed the challenges of reducing file size without significantly increasing loading times, noting that removing duplicated assets could lead to load times being ten times slower for HDD users. Arrowhead is exploring ways to manage the game's install size while accommodating both HDD and solid-state drive (SSD) users.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Updated Windows 11 and your SSD disappeared? You’re not alone

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft released the Windows 11 version 24H2 security update, KB5063878, to address delays in signing into new devices caused by certain preinstalled packages. However, some users faced installation errors (code Ox80240069) when deploying the update via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has since been resolved. A significant issue reported by user @Necoru_cat indicated that the update caused SSDs and HDDs to disappear from the operating system and led to severe data loss for some users. Testing revealed that drives became inaccessible when large amounts of data were written, particularly when file sizes exceeded 50GB and drives were over 60% full. A system reboot could restore functionality temporarily, but the issue could recur under similar conditions. Testing involved 21 SSDs from various manufacturers, with the WD Blue SA510 being the only drive rendered completely unrecoverable. Phison acknowledged the potential impact of the updates on storage devices and is reviewing affected controllers. Additional users reported similar problems with other SSDs, including those using the Phison PS5012-E12 controller and various models from Corsair, KIOXIA, and SanDisk. Users are advised to avoid large file transfers and to back up their data regularly.

AppWizard

April 28, 2025

5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone

Android 15 includes a fully functional Linux terminal, allowing users to execute familiar commands, though running GUI applications can be challenging. With Android 16, the terminal receives more space. Users can connect to remote machines via SSH by configuring the SSH config file for easier access. The terminal serves as a platform for learning the Linux command line, executing commands, and accessing manuals. Developers can use it for coding, with Python pre-installed, and can create applications directly on their devices. The terminal also supports the installation of the MariaDB database server for database management. Additionally, users can create hidden files for storing sensitive notes using the Nano editor.

Winsage

October 15, 2024

Windows 11 looked like it was stealing storage from your PC — we now know what’s going on

Following the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2), some PCs are unable to delete 8.63GB of files using the Disk Cleanup tool. Microsoft clarified that the tool may inaccurately report available storage space and is working on a solution to this issue. Other known problems associated with the update include compatibility issues with certain applications and drivers, as well as functionality problems with fingerprint sensors and wallpaper customization applications.