What is the System Volume Information Folder?

If you've ever browsed through your files in Windows and noticed a folder named System Volume Information, particularly on an external drive or USB stick, you might have wondered what it is and why it exists. Let's dive into what this folder does and why it’s created.

Why Does the System Volume Information Folder Exist?

The System Volume Information folder is a system folder created by Windows to store important system data. It is hidden and protected by default to prevent accidental deletion or corruption. Here’s what it typically contains:

  • System Restore Points: Windows uses this folder to store data for restore points, allowing you to revert system changes if issues arise.
  • Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS): This service creates backup copies of files, even if they are currently in use. Information about these copies is stored in the System Volume Information folder.
  • Indexing: If file indexing is enabled on your drive, metadata about the files is stored here to speed up search results.
  • Volume Configuration Data: Configuration files related to the volume, such as information about the size and structure of the file system, are also kept here.

Why Does the Folder Take Up So Much Space?

The size of the System Volume Information folder can grow substantially, especially if System Restore or Volume Shadow Copy Service is heavily used. This happens because Windows stores large amounts of data to enable file and system recovery in case of errors.

Can You Delete the System Volume Information Folder?

It's generally not recommended to try deleting this folder as it could disrupt essential system functions. However, on external drives, you may be able to clear its contents to free up space. To do this, you can disable restore points for external drives or adjust system restore settings:

  1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the System Protection tab.
  3. Select the drive and click Configure.
  4. Disable system protection or reduce the space allocated for restore points.

For USB drives and external hard drives, you can disable restore point creation to prevent the folder from taking up space.

How to Access the Folder’s Contents

By default, access to the System Volume Information folder is restricted, even for administrators, because it contains critical system files. However, if you need to access it and have administrative rights, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
  3. Add the Administrators group and grant it full access.

Be cautious: modifying the contents of this folder can lead to system issues.