Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 users, specifically those operating on versions 24H2 and 25H2. This bug has the potential to consume as much as 500GB of storage on impacted PCs, leading to critical space shortages and, in severe instances, the risk of system failure.
What Is The Windows 11 Storage Bug?
The bug has been reported by users since May 2025, yet Microsoft only disclosed a solution on June 29. This fix is not scheduled for automatic rollout until July 14, prompting affected users—particularly those with smaller drives (256GB to 500GB)—to take proactive measures to prevent system failures as their available space dwindles to zero. Standard disk cleanup tools will not alleviate the issue, as the problematic file may continue to expand indefinitely.
Windows 11 Disk Space Bug: Am I Affected?
Determining if you are impacted by this bug is straightforward. Navigate to Settings, then System, and select Storage. Click on “Show more categories” and examine the “System & reserved” section. If the “System files” category exceeds approximately 100GB, you are likely affected.
The root of the issue lies within a hidden file named CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal, located in the “%ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsCapabilityAccessManager” directory. Accessing this file directly can be challenging; however, utilizing a free tool like WizTree can help you locate it on your hard drive and assess its size. If you find this file has ballooned into gigabytes, it’s a strong indication you are affected.
How To Fix The Windows 11 Storage Bug
Microsoft has released a downloadable fix as part of an optional update, designated as KB5095093. It is important to note that this patch also introduces a selection of Windows 11 feature previews, which may have implications for your PC’s performance. Users are advised to review the accompanying documentation before proceeding, as some specific third-party app integrations with Microsoft Office may encounter issues.
To install the update immediately, go to Settings, select Windows Update, then Advanced Options, and choose Optional Updates. From there, you can opt for the June 2026 preview update.
A word of caution: refrain from deleting the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file unless you are confident in your actions, as several users have reported that doing so can disrupt WiFi connectivity and screen capture functionalities.
If you are not in immediate danger of exhausting your disk space, it may be prudent to monitor the situation and wait for a few days. Microsoft is set to deploy an automatic fix to affected users during the upcoming July 14 “Patch Tuesday” update.
