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Trying to make sapce on my C drive. I see that my Appdata/Local/Packages folder is almost 20GB!
Is it safe to delete this? If not, can it be 'pruned' without affecting installed applications?
Bachalo
Posted 2017-08-04T19:07:38.643
Reputation: 1 515
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AppData folders store per user information for applications, so if you delete an applications data, it will have to recreate it from default values. In effect the program will forget that you have used it before, configuration choices you may have made, saved files (like game savefiles), etc.
I would recommend you use a tool like windirstat to determine where the space is being used, and what application(s) rely on it. From there you can then begin to determine the impact of your proposed deletion.
See here for some more information related to your query: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2690709/windows/whats-in-the-hidden-windows-appdata-folder-and-how-to-find-it-if-you-need-it.html
Frank Thomas
Posted 2017-08-04T19:07:38.643
Reputation: 29 039
An important example of an application that you absolutely would not want to delete the Package data for is Windows Subsystem Linux (WSL): It stores the entire emulated Linux filesytem root inside the AppData/Local/Packages folder. See https://www.howtogeek.com/261383/how-to-access-your-ubuntu-bash-files-in-windows-and-your-windows-system-drive-in-bash/ If you're using WSL and delete the Packages subfolders, say goodbye to your entire Linux filesystem.
– pygosceles – 2019-09-06T18:22:51.6132
At a quick glance that specific folder appears to be the location where the "per user" settings and state information for the Windows Store apps are saved. When a UWP Windows App is paused it can save its state so that it reopens in the same place when you launch it again.
If you have a game or program that you bought on the Windows Store it may be that this is where it is storing its files, saves or other state information.
You should check each folder in there and figure out what exactly you do and do not care about. Do not just delete the Packages without knowing exactly what you are deleting. A program like TreeSize will show you what is actually taking up the space so you can work out if you truly want to remove the data.
Mokubai
Posted 2017-08-04T19:07:38.643
Reputation: 64 434
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If you use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) you will blow away your entire file system for any linux distribution used if you delete this folder.
flickerfly
Posted 2017-08-04T19:07:38.643
Reputation: 531
1No it is not safe, Even if you delete this folder it will be recreated, but you will also lose all your applications stored data. If your willing to lose ALL of your settings (Outlook emails, browser profiles) feel free but like I said the data will return – Ramhound – 2017-08-04T19:35:15.403