HOW to reduce win7 installation size (Winsxs etc.) using Dism?

[7point5]

question's in the title

whether it's an online or a mounted image, how do I use dism to reduce size of win7? (say by removing backup files of all installed updates, rollups, even sp1 itself I've read that these are in the dreaded Winsxs folder)

so far couldn't find any working way to do it (many false instructions on the web they don't work)

 

[SIW2]

You can use cleanmgr for online.

Dsim++ can work on mounted images - but only if the updates aren't pending.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi 7point5,

You might find these useful:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/add-or-remove-packages-offline-using-dism


https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-operating-system-package-servicing-command-line-options

You could also try:

MSMG
NTLite
RT7Lite
Win Toolkit

I hope this helps!

 

[7point5]

Hi 7point5,

You might find these useful:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/add-or-remove-packages-offline-using-dism


https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/dism-operating-system-package-servicing-command-line-options

I hope this helps!

k but the first link is about removing packages (not what I want)

the 2nd link I actually looked it up before: many of the options there ain't supported by win7

is there even a built-in optimization feature in win7?

You can use cleanmgr for online.

Dsim++ can work on mounted images - but only if the updates aren't pending.

"dism++" is 3rd party right? is it safe?

 

[SIW2]

"dism++" is 3rd party right?

Yes.

is it safe?

Of course not. I only suggest things that aren't safe. :sarc:

 

[7point5]

Of course not. I only suggest things that aren't safe. :sarc:

I knew it

so any safe apps?

 

[7point5]

actually the real question is don't win7 itself have a built-in optimization feature to reduce the size of winsxs folder?

 

[SIW2]

Only cleanmgr. It will clear old updates from winsxs. Depends how may old updates you have - it might just remove a few mb or a few GB.

 

[Paul Black]

Hi 7point5,

OK, but the first link is about removing packages (not what I want).

I only put that in because in your title you asked "HOW to reduce win7 installation size (Winsxs etc.) using Dism?"

As SIW2 has pointed out, cleanmgr could help to some degree.

 

[7point5]

I tried cleanmgr it's garbage only cleans a few MBs not GBs

and the backup files for the updates (the ones that allow uninstall & rollback) are still there