Why Does Windows Create the System Volume Information Folder?
Whenever you plug a USB flash drive or external hard drive into a Windows 10 computer, the operating system automatically creates a hidden folder named System Volume Information on the drive. This folder is primarily used by the Windows Search Indexer, System Restore, and the Volume Shadow Copy service to catalog files and create backups.
While this is essential for your main internal hard drive, it is usually completely unnecessary for portable USB drives. Not only does it consume small amounts of space, but it also creates clutter if you use the same USB drive on macOS, Linux, or a smart TV, where the folder becomes fully visible. You can prevent Windows from aggressively creating this folder on removable storage.
How to Stop Windows from Indexing USB Drives
The most effective way to prevent the creation of the System Volume Information folder is to disable the Windows Search service for removable drives via the Group Policy Editor (available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education).
- Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor. - In the left-hand navigation pane, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search- With the Search folder selected, look at the list of policies on the right side of the window.
- Find the policy named Do not allow locations on removable drives to be added to libraries.
- Double-click on this policy to edit it.
- Change the status from “Not Configured” to Enabled.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- You should also find the policy named Disable indexing of removable drives (if available in your build) and set it to Enabled as well.
After a system reboot, Windows will no longer attempt to index files or automatically dump the System Volume Information folder onto every USB flash drive you connect.