What is The System Volume Information Folder in Windows?

You probably had no idea what it was when you came across it, but there is a chance you’ve seen the System Volume Information Folder. You’ve left it alone since you feared that you might mess something up. It’s time to get all those doubts out of your mind and finally get to the end of the mystery of what the System Volume Information Folder is.

What is System Volume Information Folder?

The System Volume Information Folder is a part of the System Restore. This folder is where Windows saves the System Restore points. If you’re not happy with the current size of the folder, you can always make it smaller.

Simply go to Panel > System and Security > Then System > System Protection. Once you’re in the System Protection settings, you can decide if you want it on or modify how much disk space Windows can use to save the System Restore points.

Read also: How to Check Computer System Specifications on Windows

What are Restore Points?

If your computer crashes due to a software update, these Restore Points allow you to restore your computer to a point where it worked just fine.

If you want to delete the System Volume Information, you can’t do that by just disabling the System Protection for a drive. I wouldn’t recommend disabling the protection because if you do you are leaving your computer vulnerable and that is never a good thing. Deleting is not possible because there are other types of information you’re going to find there such as:

  • Volume Shadow Copy service used for Backups
  • Content indexing service database that makes your file searches faster
  • Distributed Link Tracking Service database that is used to fix links and shortcuts
  • How to Access System Volume Information Folder

Let’s say you have a drive that is formatted with the FAT32 and exFAT file systems; you can open it with a USB drive and take a look inside. You could perfectly see files such as IndexerVolumeGuid and WPSetting.dat files.

Read also: How to Delete Windows.old Folder

How to Reduce Your System Volume Information Folder Size

If you need the system volume information folder to be smaller, you just need to follow some simple steps. First, type Advanced in the Windows start menu and then select View advanced system setting, don’t worry if you have Windows 8, it will still work.

Using Windows 10 System Protection System

A new Windows should now appear, and when it does click on the System Protection Tab. A list of drives should appear, and you should also be able to see if the system protection is on or not. Choose a drive where it is turned on and select the Configure button. By completely turning off protection, you will save a lot of disk space.

System Properties

Now, it’s time to use the slider and choose a level that is right for your drive. After you click OK, you will see that the System Volume Information folder is going to be smaller. To see the folder, you need to turn off Hide protected operating system files under Folder options.

If you want to see that the free space has increased, just go to Computer or My Computer in Windows Explorer. You should be able to see that indeed you have more free space.

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Conclusion

You wanted to know what the System Volume Information Folder was and now you know. You also know what it is for and how you can reduce the size if you ever needed to do that. It may sound complicated at first but once you connect the dots, it’s easy to understand.

Do you have any further questions? If so, let me know in the comments.

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Judy Sanhz
Judy Sanhz

I can never get enough of tech in general, whether it's Android or web apps, but helping others solve their tech problems also brings great satisfaction. I carry a device wherever I go and I'm always connected. Life without Internet just sounds too scary to me. :-).

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Ira

Can you provide assistance in how to format a compact flash removable media device having a file system similar to the formatting in Windows 7?

I have a third party device that can read the flash disk type media when I format with windows 7 but not windows 10. I notice one difference is that Windows 10 creates a wpsettings.dat file. Assistance would be greatly appreciated. Please email a response directly – if possible.

Solomen

Hi, I will create a new article for your problem soon.

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