Microsoft finally fixed the Disk Cleanup issue on Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has acknowledged a peculiar issue affecting the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 11, version 24H2. Last year, users reported that the tool incorrectly displayed the storage space available for cleanup, even after files had been successfully removed.

The issue appeared when users attempted to clean up “Windows Update Cleanup” files. Although the files were deleted and the space was freed, the tool continued to show the same amount of space as occupied.

The Redmond-based tech giant has clarified that this is a reporting error and does not indicate that the files are still taking up storage.

This bug is linked to Windows 11’s new “checkpoint cumulative updates” feature, which allows for more minor, incremental updates. While the feature is designed to improve the update process, this temporary reporting glitch has confused users.

According to the Windows Health dashboard, Microsoft has resolved the issue and it assures users that their devices are not at risk. In the meantime, users can rest assured that their storage space is being managed correctly, despite the misleading display in Disk Cleanup.

Resolution: Windows updates released October 24, 2024 (KB5044384) and later include improvements to the Windows Disk Cleanup tool which address some of the causes for incorrect estimates. We will continue to improve the accuracy of the free space estimates provided by the Disk Cleanup application in future Windows updates.

You can read more about it here.