Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Windows 11 Bug Lets System File Balloon to Hundreds of Gigabytes

The CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal can fill the system drive and disrupt PC performance while Microsoft prepares a July 14, 2026 patch.

Overview

  • Microsoft acknowledged the problem in its June preview update and said a complete fix will be delivered on Patch Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
  • The fault affects the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which stores app permission data and should normally be only a few megabytes.
  • Users have reported extreme growth of the file, with examples of roughly 70 GB, 200 GB and more than 500 GB that can fill the C: drive and slow or stall systems.
  • You can locate the file with disk tools like WizTree, TreeSize or WinDirStat or by using the robocopy check shown in coverage, and experts and Microsoft advise not to delete or alter the system file manually.
  • Microsoft’s June optional preview update (KB5095093) notes improved storage behavior for the file and users should install the official July patch or the optional preview rather than attempt ad hoc fixes.