# What Is the ProgramData Folder and What Can You Delete

`C:\ProgramData` is a hidden Windows folder where programs keep data shared by every account on the PC: licenses, settings, update caches and databases. Do not delete the folder, and do not clear it in bulk, because security software, Windows features and installers depend on it. Old error reports and the folders of programs you have truly removed can usually go, once you have checked them. Everything else is better left to the program's own uninstaller or settings.

## What is in it

Microsoft defines it as a [known folder](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/knownfolderid), with the environment variable `%ProgramData%`. It is hidden by default, so type `%ProgramData%` into `Win + R` to go straight there, or turn on **File Explorer › View › Show › Hidden items**.

A difference from AppData: [AppData](/windows/blog/appdata-folder-what-can-delete) belongs to one account, and ProgramData belongs to all of them. On a test ThinkPad, the folder held vendor folders such as `Intel`, `Lenovo` and `Tencent`, alongside `Microsoft`, `Package Cache` and `ssh`.

You will also see items with an arrow, such as `Application Data` and `Documents`. These are links kept for old programs, not real folders. On that PC, `Application Data` pointed back to `C:\ProgramData` and `Documents` to `C:\Users\Public\Documents`. So a tool that follows them can count the same data twice, or more.

## Find what is taking the space

This lists the largest folders. Run PowerShell as administrator so that fewer folders refuse access:

```powershell
Get-ChildItem $env:ProgramData -Directory -Force -Attributes !ReparsePoint | ForEach-Object {
  [pscustomobject]@{ GB = [math]::Round((Get-ChildItem $_.FullName -Recurse -Force -File -Attributes !ReparsePoint -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Measure-Object Length -Sum).Sum / 1GB, 2); Folder = $_.Name }
} | Sort-Object GB -Descending | Select-Object -First 15
```

## What is safe and what is not

| Path under `C:\ProgramData` | What it is | Can it go |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `Microsoft\Windows\WER\ReportArchive`, `ReportQueue` | Old error reports | Yes, needs admin |
| `NVIDIA Corporation\NV_Cache` | Shader cache | Yes, games recompile, see [the shader cache](/windows/blog/directx-shader-cache-windows) |
| The folder of a program you removed | Leftovers | Usually, check the name and that no other product from that vendor is installed |
| `Package Cache` | Installers kept for repair and removal | No, see [the Installer folder](/windows/blog/windows-installer-folder-cleanup) |
| `Microsoft\Windows Defender` | Security data | No |
| `Microsoft\Crypto` | Machine keys and certificates | No |
| `Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu` | Shortcuts for all accounts | No, except a dead shortcut |
| `ssh` | Host keys for the OpenSSH server | No |
| `Microsoft\Windows\Virtual Hard Disks` | Hyper-V disks | Only through Hyper-V |
| `chocolatey`, `miniconda3`, other package managers | Installed tools | Use the tool to remove packages |
| A vendor folder for hardware you still use | Drivers, tools, licenses | No, use the vendor's app |
| Anything for a program you still use | Often licenses and databases | No |

Before removing a leftover folder, check **Settings › Apps › Installed apps** for anything else from that vendor. A publisher folder such as `Adobe` or `Tencent` can be shared by several products. Move it somewhere first, or rename it, and use the PC for a few days. Keep your own copy until you are sure.

## What not to do

- Do not delete `C:\ProgramData` or its `Microsoft` folder. Windows features, Defender and installers break, and repair is hard.
- Do not take ownership of folders so that you can delete them. That is a sign you are removing something protected, and changed permissions cause their own problems.
- Do not move ProgramData to another drive. Windows has no way to move it on an installed PC, and Microsoft warns that redirecting it can make updates and upgrades fail.
- Do not trust a folder's total if the tool follows links. Measure with the command above.

## Where Mole fits

Mole for Windows' **Analyze** can show `ProgramData` and its size on your system drive, with notes on known folders such as `Package Cache` and `WER`. It offers no **Move to Recycle Bin** on anything inside it. Removal there is deliberately not a one-click choice. **Clean** lists system error reports and NVIDIA's system shader cache from it, the latter unticked, and both need admin. It can also list dead shortcuts from the all-accounts Start Menu. When you uninstall an app through **Apps**, Mole can list that app's own folder in `ProgramData` for review, and it stops at the publisher folder rather than removing one shared with other products. Mole never clears `Package Cache`.

## FAQ

### What is the ProgramData folder?

It is a hidden folder at `C:\ProgramData` for data programs share among all accounts on the PC, such as licenses, settings and caches.

### Can I delete ProgramData?

No. Remove only items you have checked, such as old error reports or the folder of a program you removed.

### Why is ProgramData so big?

Usually one or two programs: installer caches, antivirus data, update files or a package manager. Measure the folders before you decide.

### Why can't I see ProgramData?

It is hidden. Type `%ProgramData%` into `Win + R`, or turn on **View › Show › Hidden items** in File Explorer.

### What is the difference between ProgramData and AppData?

AppData belongs to one account, and ProgramData is shared by every account on the PC. Both are hidden, and both mix caches with data you need.


Canonical: https://mole.fit/windows/blog/programdata-folder-windows