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

Windows 11 users experienced a puzzling situation following the rollout of the 2024 Update, also known as version 24H2. Reports surfaced indicating that certain PCs were unable to delete a substantial 8.63GB of files, even after attempting to utilize the Windows Disk Cleanup tool. This led to confusion and frustration among users, as the cleanup application appeared to leave these files untouched.

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.

In a recent statement, Microsoft acknowledged the issue, explaining that the Disk Cleanup tool might inaccurately report the amount of storage space that can be freed. According to a support page from the tech giant, “After using the Windows Disk Cleanup application, it may display an incorrect amount of disk space that can be freed up in the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ category.”

This reporting error can lead to misleading figures. For instance, after the initial run of Disk Cleanup, users may see a significant amount of space still available for cleanup, despite the fact that the tool has already successfully cleared some files. The confusion arises when the tool indicates that a larger quantity of space remains, even though it has been effectively freed during the first cleanup attempt.

What’s next for the Windows 11 storage issue?

With the confirmation of the storage bug, Microsoft is now focused on developing a solution. The timeline for this fix remains uncertain, as the speed of deployment can vary based on the complexity of the issue. Some resolutions may be implemented swiftly, while others might require additional refinement.

In addition to the storage issue, Windows 11 version 24H2 has been associated with several other known problems. Microsoft has outlined these concerns on its support page, which includes:

  • Safe Exam Browser application might fail to open: Devices using version 3.7 or earlier are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2.
  • Some devices using Easy Anti-Cheat may stop responding: Older driver versions of this application are not compatible with the latest Windows update.
  • Fingerprint sensors may encounter issues after device lock: Certain models are affected, and updating device firmware may help resolve the problem.
  • Wallpaper customization applications might not function properly: Multiple applications are impacted, and updating them could provide a solution.
  • Disk Cleanup may inaccurately report available space: Even after cleaning files, the application might give a misleading estimate of space still available for cleanup.
  • Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers: Devices with affected drivers may experience blue screen errors.
  • Asphalt 8 may intermittently stop responding: Users may encounter exceptions, prompting a compatibility hold to ensure a smoother update experience.

As Microsoft continues to address these issues, users are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates and potential solutions.

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