Disk Compression - do I have it? Do I want it?


  1. Posts : 61
    Windows 10
       #1

    Disk Compression - do I have it? Do I want it?


    Yesterday I tried to upgrade W10, but it wouldn't load. A MS tech did a lot of things, including turning disk compression on.
    My disk is only 20% full; I sure don't need compression.
    So, my questions...
    1) Do I want compression
    2) If I don't, can I safely turn it off?
    3) I can't even find it, is it even in the current version? He did it as part of a disk cleanup, but the box is not there now. (either the feature is gone, or it can't be turned off)

    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,442
    Windows 11 Home
       #2

    Compact OS - Compress or Uncompress Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

    1) No, but that depends, what size is your partition and free space in total, you only need about 5 GB
    2) Yes, by running a command: compact /CompactOs:never
    3) Run this command: compact /compactos:query
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 61
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    TairikuOkami said:
    Compact OS - Compress or Uncompress Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

    1) No, but that depends, what size is your partition and free space in total, you only need about 5 GB
    2) Yes, by running a command: compact /CompactOs:never
    3) Run this command: compact /compactos:query
    It says it is not compressed because Windows determined it wasn't necessary. Thank for your help.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,057
    windows 10
       #4

    It goes back to msdos days and win95 with drive space its interesting as not only does it save space it can often speed the system up loading software the speed is often controlled by how long to load it from disk with compression its a lot faster as you only load half the size decompressing in ram can be done very fast. If you have a fast ssd drive you wouldnt gain much speed but on a laptop with slow drive it can make a difference
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,935
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #5

    Disk Compression (compact) is only necessary when you are running out space. The reason is simple. You will recover some free space but you will always incur in a noticeable performance hit.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 15,441
    Windows10
       #6

    Hold on - there is a BIG difference between disk compression and OS compression.

    The compactos command compresses the OS but not data. This is a relatively safe option and reversible.

    Compressing the disk COMPRESSES everything. It is like turning disk into a giant zip file. I strongly recommend you do not do this because if OS glitches, it might be difficult to transfer data to a new drive.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 61
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    cereberus said:
    Hold on - there is a BIG difference between disk compression and OS compression.

    The compactos command compresses the OS but not data. This is a relatively safe option and reversible.

    Compressing the disk COMPRESSES everything. It is like turning disk into a giant zip file. I strongly recommend you do not do this because if OS glitches, it might be difficult to transfer data to a new drive.
    Which is part of "disk cleanup" and why don't I have that as an option now? So confusing.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:40.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums