Do Not Delete

Windows System32 catroot Folder (C:\Windows\System32\catroot)

Space: 500 MB windows Windows
Quick Answer: The catroot folder stores digital signature security catalogs for Windows system files. DO NOT DELETE catroot.

Bottom Line: DO NOT DELETE catroot. catroot contains security catalog packages required for driver verification and Windows booting. (Note: catroot2 can be reset during update troubleshooting, but catroot must NEVER be deleted).

What is the catroot Folder?

Located at C:\Windows\System32\catroot, this folder holds cryptographic catalog files (.cat) that certify digital signatures for system drivers and Windows core files.

Can You Delete catroot?

❌ DO NOT DELETE catroot.

  • Deleting catroot stops Windows from verifying driver signatures, causing system boot failures and driver initialization errors.

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