Microsoft organizes the Windows 11 storage folder

The CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file is installed on Windows 11 PCs by default, and is associated with program permissions. Several users have had problems with this file over the past few months, with one person reporting the file took 500GB of storage on their device. Some have reported that the file is growing to a similar size, since 12 GB to 200GB.

Microsoft didn’t explain what went wrong here, though New Windows says that the file can grow because Windows 11 “repeatedly stores logs to access requests or other privacy controls, such as location.”

If you are concerned about this issue, you can install these updates now by going to the Settings menu, clicking “Windows Update” > Advanced options, and selecting “Check selected updates.” From there, you can select and install the June 2026 update.