Windows 11 C Drive Full for No Reason? Fix the Hidden Storage Bug (KB5095093), by Tenorshare 4DDiG on YouTube. 3 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, click This PC, and note how much free space is left on the C drive. Write the number down so you can compare later.
In File Explorer, open View, then Show, and turn on Hidden items so protected system files become visible.
Search the C drive for CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal. If the file is tens of gigabytes, this storage bug is affecting your PC.
Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Install update KB5095093 when it appears in the list.
Restart the PC when Windows asks, then let the update finish applying before you open anything else.
Return to This PC and check the C drive again. The hidden file should be gone or much smaller after the update runs.
Go to Settings, System, Storage, then click Temporary files. Tick the categories you no longer need, such as update leftovers and thumbnails.
Empty the Recycle Bin and remove old downloads you have already backed up. Leave everything inside the Windows folder alone.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not delete CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal by hand. It is a protected system file, so let the official update remove it.
If Windows Update does not offer KB5095093 yet, wait a day and check again, or grab it from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Run Disk Cleanup from the Start menu as an extra pass after the update to sweep out old Windows Update files.
Back up any personal files before you start deleting folders, so a wrong click does not cost you data.
Questions
How do I know if my PC has this storage bug?
Open your C drive and look for a file named CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal. If it has grown to tens of gigabytes, you are affected and the KB5095093 update will fix it.
Is it safe to delete that file myself?
No. It is a protected system file, and deleting it by hand can cause errors. Install the official update and let Windows handle the cleanup.
Will the update free the space on its own?
Usually yes. If your C drive is still tight afterwards, clear temporary files and the Recycle Bin to reclaim the rest.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
