Windows 11's Hidden Storage Saver Unleashed

A hidden gem in Windows 11 allows users to reclaim storage space on their drives. Compact OS, a built-in compression mode, can run the entire operating system from compressed files, reducing its footprint and freeing up disk space.

This feature has been available since Windows 11, but Microsoft hasn't prominently promoted it. The tool compresses Windows' own system files, allowing users to save storage space on their C: drive. It's particularly useful for devices with smaller SSDs, where every gigabyte counts.

The compression process is straightforward and can be initiated through the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Running the command `compact /compactos:always` enables Compact OS, which takes around 5 minutes to complete on most machines. The compressed files are decompressed as needed, ensuring no impact on system performance.

In one test case, using Compact OS alone reclaimed nearly 7GB of space on a laptop and 5GB on a desktop. To further optimize storage, users can point the compact command at specific folders to compress them individually. This approach is more time-consuming but allows for even greater savings.