It seems like i got 4 different nvidia folders. I got a folder in program files called nvidia corporation, a folder in program data simply called nvidia, another folder in program data called nvidia corporation, and a folder in programs (x86) called nvidia corporation. Why do i need so many nvidia folders, and is it possible to merge them into a single folder?
Last edited by Cerawy; 18 Mar 2021 at 02:15.
First thing I would advise is to be very careful - you are dealing with essential files for the correct and reliable operation of your system,
Program Data should be a hidden Folder, as it contains the data needed for the application or in your case the driver to operate, there is normally no reason for the user to even see this folder, this should not be touched unless you know what to do, or are under instruction by a nVidia Tech for a fault.
Nvidia and Nvidia Corporation are just two folders that contain different levels of programming both are required. the actual drivers are in One and the control apps in the other
The location of the various folders that you have is essential to the correct running of Windows 10 which is a modular Operating system
Program files folder contains the user application files, in your case those to manage your graphics driver
I'm not sure what the Programs Folder is, unless it is the folder containing the shortcuts that operate the Start Menu - If so this can be manually edited to slim down the start menu, (most applications will create their own folder for the start menu, but often you only need one entry to access the software, other entries in the folder can be deleted if you do not intend to use them, most will be things like Uninstall, "Visit us Online" Etc. - What I do is move the shortcuts I need to the actual Programs folder and delete the "nVidia" Folder. You can if you wish manually create folders in the Programs Folder to organize how you work, eg create a drivers folder and drag the related shortcuts to it which makes finding a driver settings page easier.
I just checked it. It doesn't seem like program data is a hidden folder on my computer. Anyway, i still don't get why i need four different folders with my nvidia graphics drivers. I only have one folder with my amd graphics drivers on my laptop.
Last edited by Cerawy; 18 Mar 2021 at 02:16.
You will have to ask Nvidia why they chose to organize that way, but they did. I would heed the others advise and not try to change it.
This old (2013) story about what's safe to clean up Nvidia-wise, is still accurate and relevant. Just tried it on several systems and no ill effects (yet). Clean Up Old NVIDIA Driver Folders to Free Up Hard Drive Space
HTH,
--Ed--
To compliment that from ED, this is from How to Geek on NVidia and it's appetite for space. And tips on freeing space.
https://www.howtogeek.com/342322/why...ur-hard-drive/
I just got rid of the folder called installer 2. It was taking up about 1,6 gb of space on my ssd. I still got four different nvidia folders, tough. It's a mess with so many folders.
Last edited by Cerawy; 18 Mar 2021 at 02:19.
Good observation @f14tomcat: indeed, the Installer2 folder will reappear the next time you update the Nvidia drivers. Works either way, though. Thanks,
--Ed--
PS to @Cerawy: if your goal is to reduce disk footprint on Nvidia stuff, you should also get to know DriverStore Explorer (rapr.exe: download from github; as I write this the most current version is v0.10.39). Check the Releases page for most current version. Each time you update those drivers it leaves the old ones in the DriverStore (usually around 800 MB or so on most 64-bit systems nowadays). I usually keep one version back, but because Nvidia routinely pushes 1-2 updates per month, this is a helpful (and necessary) cleanup. For a brief intro to the package, see my Admin Toolkit item on Win10.Guru.
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