How to Remove the System Volume Information Folder from a Flash Drive

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The System Volume Information folder is a protected Windows folder that's in the root of every drive. If your PC is set to show hidden folders, you'll even see this folder on your USB flash drive. The folder contains protected System Restore files, volume information, and indexing data for search. [1] Although you can temporarily delete the folder, it'll be automatically recreated when you plug it back into a Windows PC . It is also possible, though rare, for a folder of this name to be a place where viruses can hide. This wikiHow teaches you how to hide the System Volume Information folder from your view, as well as how to clear out the files inside.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Deleting Large Files from System Volume Information

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  1. If the System Volume Information folder is taking up too much space, you can delete the System Restore files inside and make sure they aren't recreated. These are the files that can sometimes make the System Volume Information folder extremely large.
    • System Restore files are used to help restore files and settings in case of data loss. This method will stop this protection for your flash drive, although it'll still be enabled on the rest of your PC.
  2. You'll find this gear-shaped icon in the Start menu.
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  3. It's the first icon in the list.
  4. It's the last option.
  5. It's at the top-right corner of the right panel under "Related Settings."
  6. It's in the left column. This opens the System Properties dialog.
  7. This opens the System Restore settings for your USB drive.
  8. It's the second option at the top. This tells Windows not to create restore point information on this drive.
    • Although this will prevent more System Restore points from being created on the drive, the System Volume Information folder will still be recreated automatically for search purposes, or if you plug the drive into another Windows PC that permits System Restore on flash drives.
    • If you need to keep System Restore on for this flash drive, you can just reduce the amount of space required by the restore points using the slider at the bottom. Keep in mind that lowering the size of your restore information means there might not be enough space to save more than one restore point.
  9. It's near the bottom-right area of the window. A confirmation window will appear.
  10. This deletes any saved System Restore information on your flash drive, effectively decreasing the size of the System Volume Information folder so its presence won't cause you any pain. [2]
    • If you'd like to hide the folder from your view, see the Hiding the System Volume Information Folder method now.
    • If you are worried that a virus is lurking in your System Volume Information folder, see this method to learn how to delete the entire folder and dispose of the deleted files. When the folder is automatically re-added by Windows, it will not contain any bad files.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Hiding the System Volume Information Folder

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  1. You can also open File Explorer by right-clicking the Start button and selecting File Explorer .
    • If you haven't already inserted your USB drive into the PC, you can insert it now.
    • You'll not only be hiding the System Volume Information folder from your view, but other important Windows operating system files that shouldn't be modified. This shouldn't affect you in any way unless you're a system administrator who frequently needs access to high-level system files.
  2. It's at the top of the File Explorer window.
  3. It's the white window icon with a list inside, and you'll find it in the toolbar at the top of the window.
  4. It's the second tab at the top of the Folder Options window.
  5. It's under the "Hidden files and folders" header.
  6. You may have to scroll down a tiny bit from the previous section to find it. [3]
  7. Now that you've hidden the appropriate files and folders, you should no longer see the System Volume Information folder when you insert the USB drive into your PC.
    • If you use the USB drive anywhere else, such as in your car or on another PC, the changes will not carry over to that system. This means the System Volume Information folder will still be visible on those systems.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temporarily Deleting the Folder

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  1. You can also open it by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting File Explorer . If you are worried there are rogue files inside your System Volume Information folder, you can use this method to delete the folder from your flash drive.
  2. You should see it in the center panel, but if you don't, it'll be in the left panel under "This PC" or "Computer." This opens the contents of your flash drive in the right panel.
  3. A context menu will expand.
    • Make sure you're not clicking on a file or folder—just a blank part of the right panel.
  4. This opens the command prompt window to the correct folder. [4]
  5. To do this, type rmdir "System Volume Information" /s /q at the prompt and press the Enter key. This will delete the folder from the flash drive (for now). Remember, the folder will be recreated in the future, although it will no longer contain large system restore points. [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if the system cannot find the file specified?
    Community Answer
    It might be that the system volume information was already deleted or that the command you wrote was in the wrong format.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Even after using the command prompt, when I reinsert the pen drive it shows the "System Volume Information" folder. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Windows recreates this file every time you plug in. So you actually delete the folder but Windows makes a new one.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What can I do if the folder is still present in the flash drive?
    Community Answer
    "Clean Slate" that folder using admin commands. You can also scan for other folders like that using sfc/scannow in the admin prompt.
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      Tips

      • Even if you hide system files and folders on your PC, you may still see the System Volume Information folder on your flash drive if you plug it in elsewhere. For example, if you plug it into your car to listen to music, you'll probably see it there.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/what-is-system-volume-information-can-i-delete/
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/how-to-remove-all-system-restore-points-except-the-most-recent-one-d43d697b-09ac-bef6-8a02-1000a18a9b82
      3. ↑ https://kb.blackbaud.com/knowledgebase/Article/41890
      4. ↑ https://devsjournal.com/how-to-delete-system-volume-information-folder-from-usb.html
      5. ↑ https://devsjournal.com/how-to-delete-system-volume-information-folder-from-usb.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open your Settings .
      2. Click System .
      3. Click About .
      4. Click System info .
      5. Select your USB drive and click Configure .
      6. Disable system protection and click Delete .
      7. Click Continue .

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