Can I delete the System32 and winsxs folders from Windows? [duplicate]

"No!

The winsxs folder is used for keeping previous versions of files that are replaced during setups. For example, in previous versions of Windows, if you installed an application that required changing abc.dll, it would just do it. In Windows Vista and 7 it will keep a copy of the original and changed abc.dll and keep a version in winsxs so that each application can keep its own version."

"Don't delete system32 - it's essential to the operation of Windows. This page sums it up nicely.

Basically, System32 is a directory that is required on any Microsoft Windows system. So, if you use Windows, you've got to have System32 working in order for your computer to run properly."

"Do not manually delete any winsxs contents. However you can use cleanup tool which will remove stuff no longer needed if you don't intend to uninstall SP1 or SP2.

If you already have SP2 use Vista SP2 Service Pack Clean-up tool (Compcln.exe).
If you only have SP1 use Vista SP1 Clean-up tool (Vsp1cln.exe)"

Do not delete this folder is for dll copies

"The answer seems to be ""no""!

You'd be better off using clean up tools like ccleaner, eusing or glaryutilities. And get an external drive for when your machine gets full and for back ups."