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Why does Garmin Express need 0.5GB of storage on my Windows PC?

jlg2
over 3 years ago

Why does Garmin Express need more than 0.5GB of storage on my Windows PC?  This is twice the storage needed for BaseCamp, which seems like a much more complex piece of Software.  The only thing I know that Garmin Express does is link my GPS receiver to current Internet data like firmware updates and satellite positions.  As far as I know, it doen't even update InReach contact info.  Garmin Express must be doing something more than I know about.  There's no way code to do simple data transfers and record the most current version numbers could require a half a gigabyte of storage.  Can someone please enlighten me?

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Check the "C:\ProgramData\Garmin\CoreService\Downloads\Application" (Win 10) - there might be installation files (executables) for all versions of GE ever installed on the computer.

    Is this what takes that much space?

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to TheFlyingman

    You're right as far as that goes.  But it's worse. 

    My downloads subfolder contains 2GB of outdated versions of Garmin Express, AND  20GB of outdated maps.  I don't understand why it needs to store any maps.  As far as I know (which apparently is very little), you cannot do anything with Garmin Express without an Internet connection.  So why does it need to store anything except some device version numbers?

    Important new questions:

    1. Will Garmin Express still work if I delete the obvious bloat, meaning obviously outdated firmware, Express loaders and old map versions?

    2. Will it still work if I delete the current installer, firmware and maps.  Why do I need to store the full data files if they've already been installed in my device?

    3. Is there any rationale for Garmin keeping all these outdated files on my computer C: drive?

    4. Why don't I see anything on this when I search the community?  I cannot be the first person to notice this incredible confiscation of Windows storage.  The Garmin subfolder accounts for nearly all data in the Program Data subfolder on a computer which contains huge resource hogs like Matlab, Mathematica, Microsoft 365, Quicken, etc.

    5. Does Express do anything besides transfer some stuff on the Internet to a Garmin device?

  • +1 over 3 years ago in reply to jlg2

    This has been covered numerous times before. The files are there in case you are updating more than one device or wish to reinstall the map, saving you having to download the map files again. If you wish they can be safely deleted.

    Express does what it always has done, updates maps, software and other files on numerous devices.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

    Thanks, SUSSAMB.  I need to hone my search skills.  I didn't find anything on it.  Your reply answers all but one of my questions.  Does Express synchronize InReach data like contacts and quick messages?

    +

  • +1 over 3 years ago in reply to jlg2

    No. Express does not sync anything from the Explore universe. Its only function with those iR devices with which it is compatible is firmware and map updates.

  • +1 over 3 years ago in reply to twolpert

    Thanks, twolpert.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    The responses to this question provide unexpected and valuable information about wasted storage space.  But my original question remains unanswered.  Namely, why does a program that merely transfers data from the Internet to a USB device need more than 500 MB of storage space, much more than programs that perform vastly more complex functions, like BaseCamp for example.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to jlg2

    I'm confused. Above in this thread, you acknowledged that SUSSAMB's reply regarding storage space answered this question.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to twolpert

    You're right, twolpert.  There is a contradiction there.  I wanted to give credit to those who posted valuable information I did not know about storage gluttony of Garmin Express.  But I'm still curious about why the app needs so much storage for the app's code.  I don't know of a smilar example that comes close.  The Garmin USB drivers for Windows are similarly huge compared to similar software. 

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to jlg2

    Old topic, covered and supposedly answered but yet, the problem persists. How do I get rid of the recurring message «not enough space on your computer» on my Mac when updating GPSMAP 64sx?