microsoft has confirmed a windows 11 error that causes the Capability Access Manager write-ahead log file to continually grow without compacting, which can result in the use of more than 500 GB of disk space on affected systems.
The fix is included in update KB5095093, which contains builds 26200.8737 and 26100.8737. Users can install this update through the optional updates section of Windows Update or wait for it to be included in the July 2026 Patch Tuesday release.
The issue was documented by Windows Latest. Microsoft’s release notes for KB5095093 state that the update “improves disk space usage for the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file.”
What is causing the Windows 11 storage error?
Capability Access Manager is a Windows 11 component responsible for app permissions. Control access to privacy-sensitive features such as camera, microphone, location, contacts, and screenshot, and record when apps request or use these capabilities.
The problem is not with the permit system itself. Instead, it relates to the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, which is the write-ahead log for the database. Typically, this log file grows during regular use, but must be merged or compacted back into the main database.
However, on affected systems, the WAL file continues to grow without compacting. Users have reported the file reaching sizes of approximately 70 GB to 200 GB in many cases, around 500 GB in some, and approximately 513 GB on a system verified through TreeSize.
To determine if a system is affected by this error, you can use one of these methods:
Method 1 – Check Storage Settings: Open Settings and navigate to System, then Storage. Select Show more categories. Look at the size displayed for System and Reserved, or specifically for System files. If your system files show hundreds of gigabytes, your system is likely to be affected.
Method 2 – Use Robocopy for direct verification: If the system and reserved storage seem high but not excessively high, you can check the file directly. Open an elevated command prompt and run a command that lists the files in the corresponding folder. This command does not copy or delete files. Look for CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal in the result.
If the file is only a few megabytes, your system is probably fine. If it is several gigabytes and continues to grow, the error may be active.
How to check if your PC is affected
The fix is included in KB5095093, which contains build 26200.8737 for Windows 11 25H2 and 26100.8737 for Windows 11 24H2. To install the update:
- Open settings
- Go to Windows Update,
- Choose advanced options,
- Then select Optional Updates
- Search for KB5095093 and follow the instructions to install it.
- Restart your device if necessary.
Users who prefer to wait can receive the update as part of the July 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative update, which is scheduled for release on July 8. This version will be installed automatically for those with the standard Windows Update setup.
After installing the solution, the WAL file should be compacted or return to its normal behavior. A system reboot may be required for the changes to take effect.
Microsoft has confirmed the fix and claims that KB5095093 improves disk space usage associated with the affected file. However, the company has not publicly explained why some Windows 11 systems initially allowed the file to grow to hundreds of gigabytes.
Affected users may want to take a few steps: First, save a copy of the current file size before installing the update in case Microsoft requests diagnostic data.
After applying the update, monitor the system storage to verify that the WAL file returns to its normal size. Users can also report the issue through the Feedback Center to help Microsoft track affected systems.
How to fix Capability Access Manager registration issue
For users with SSDs, especially those with lower capacities such as 512GB or 1TB, a WAL file spanning hundreds of gigabytes can cause the system to run dangerously low on free space.
This can cause several problems: applications not installing or updating, Windows Update not completing due to lack of space, frequent cleaning of temporary files, and failures in backup or restore operations.
Users experiencing these symptoms without an obvious cause should look specifically for the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file, as typical storage cleanup tools may not remove it.
KB5095093 is now available through the Optional Updates section of Windows Update. It is expected to roll out more widely with the July 8, 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative update. The fix applies to Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Microsoft has not indicated whether Insider builds of Windows 11 26H1 are affected. Users of Insider channels should be on the lookout for similar fixes in upcoming Insider flight releases.
Anyone who notices hundreds of gigabytes of unexplained storage usage should install the update as soon as possible. The bug does not affect the security or core functionality of the permissions system itself, but the excessive file size can significantly reduce available storage on affected systems.
