In the event of a failed reset or refresh operation, your Windows 10 system will create a hidden folder called the $SysReset folder. Because it’s hidden, the $SysReset folder might be eating up your storage without you knowing. To prevent your storage space from filling up, this guide will walk you through the steps to deleting your $SysReset folder.
What is the $SysReset Folder?
After a reset or refresh operation fails, Windows 10 stores all the file logs and XML documents into the $SysReset folder in order to help you troubleshoot the issue. Each $SysReset folder contains a Logs folder, which has a .etl file.
Another .etl file, called “sysreset_exe_BootUX.etl,” will be created in the “C:\Recovery\Logs” folder. This file contains all details relating to the crash. You cannot reverse a refresh or reset operation using the $SysReset folder, as these files are only created to help you diagnose an issue.
How to Delete the $SysReset Folder in Windows
There are two main ways to delete the $SysReset folder, either through File Explorer or an elevated command prompt. If it is your first time attempting this operation, File Explorer is the best way to delete $SysReset safely in Windows so that you can see where the folder is stored and how much data it takes up.
For those wondering how to delete the $SysReset folder in Windows 11, the steps outlined above will also apply.
Option 1: Using File Explorer
- Access the hidden folders in File Explorer. Open File Explorer using “Command + E” then navigate to the “View” tab. From there, check the “Hidden items” option on the top ribbon.
- Open the “Local Disk (C:)” drive, which should contain the $SysReset folder. Right click it and press “Delete.”
- Click “Confirm” if the prompt window opens.
- Open the Recycle Bin and delete the $SysReset folder from there.
As an optional step, you can also uncheck the “Hidden Items” box in File Explorer. While you cannot delete the $SysReset folder through Windows Disk Cleanup, you can use Disk Cleanup to empty the Recycle Bin.
To do so, open the Disk Cleanup tool from your search bar. From there, scroll through until you find the “Local Disk (C:)” drive and click “OK.”
Check the box for “Recycle Bin” and click “OK” again. Select “Delete Files” when prompted.
Option 2: Using Command Prompt
1. Open an elevated command prompt and enter the following code:
RD /S /Q “C:\$SysReset”
2. Press “Enter.” You won’t be asked to confirm the operation when using an elevated command prompt to delete $SysReport in Windows 10.
3. Close the elevated command prompt window.
The $SysReset folder will then be moved to the Recycle Bin, where you can permanently delete it.
Is It Safe to Delete the $SysReset Folder?
Yes, you can remove the $SysReset folder safely once you’ve gotten to the root of the failed reset or refresh operation. Deleting this folder won’t harm your computer. Windows 10 automatically creates a restore point before every major operation, but you can also opt to manually create a restore point before proceeding with the deletion.
Keep in mind that you need administrator access to remove the $SysReset folder. It is also worth noting that unless your device’s storage is almost full, deleting the folder may not significantly impact device performance. Nevertheless, being proactive about deleting the $SysReset folder is a small step you can take to ensure you always have enough disk space.
Troubleshooting Issues When Deleting the $SysReset Folder
Lack of administrative permission is the main reason behind why users may face problems attempting to delete the $SysReset folder. It is fairly easy to check whether you have administrator privileges: if you do not, you won’t be able to delete the $SysReset folder. Instead, a prompt window will open stating that you’ll need authorization to proceed with deletion.
Here are the steps to address this issue:
- Right-click the folder, then click “Properties” and navigate to the “Security” tab
- Navigate to the “Group or user names” list and look for your user name, then click on your user name to see your account permissions
- Click “Edit,” select your name, and then set your permissions by checking all boxes that apply.
If you are still running out of disk space, you should also double check to see if you’ve deleted the $SysReset folder from your Recycle Bin.
Preventing the $SysReset Folder From Reappearing
Windows 10 automatically creates the $SysReset folder in the event of a failed reset or refresh operation, which means it cannot be prevented from reappearing. In order to prevent this folder from taking up too much space, it is recommended that you go through the $SysReset folder’s contents, get to the root cause of the failed reset or refresh, then delete the folder using the steps outlined above.
Know When to Keep or Delete the $SysReset Folder
While the $SysReset folder is useful for keeping a record of failed or aborted reset and refresh operations, it does not need to be a permanent fixture in your device’s storage. The best way to utilize a $SysReset folder is to open it immediately after a crash so that you can diagnose the issue.
Once you have the information you need, it is best practice to promptly delete the folder. You should also remember that Windows 10 creates a separate $SysReset folder for every failed reset or refresh, which means its contents become quickly outdated. If this is your first time attempting a $SysReset deletion, you may find that there are a number of these folders hidden in your device. Depending on how many folders there are and how much disk space you have, deleting all $SysReset folders in one go may improve device performance.
However, keeping one or two $SysReset folders in your system shouldn’t cause any significant performance issues on your device.You can keep them in your device, especially if you haven’t gone through the logs and properly diagnosed the refresh or reset issue. Deleting the $SysReset folder is something you can do periodically to maintain your computer’s storage. If you need to delete it, know that you can safely do so without harming your device’s operations.
