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On the recordRead 11 Oct 202617 facts
PatchClean AI
On the record
- AI analysis
- Optional Claude AI analysis classifies UNKNOWN files using installer metadata and provides a confidence score.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- AI requirement
- AI analysis requires an Anthropic API key supplied through claude.key.txt, a .env file, or the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- AI setup
- AI analysis requires an Anthropic API key supplied through claude.key.txt, .env, or the ANTHROPIC_API_KEY environment variable.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Architecture detail
- The project documents scanning C:\Windows\Installer and its $PatchCache$ subdirectory, then cross-referencing files against Windows Installer COM and registry data.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Archive
- Orphaned files can be moved to an archive directory, defaulting to C:\Windows\Installer\_archive, and can be restored by moving them back.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Classification
- The scanner labels files KNOWN, ORPHANED, or UNKNOWN and displays file counts and potential disk savings.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documented installation method is to clone the repository and install the package with pip install -e .github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Optional AI classification uses Anthropic Claude; JSON output is described as useful for scripting or piping to other tools.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The README describes the project as a PatchCleaner replacement for Windows users and says it is provided as-is for personal use.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- License and caution
- The repository lists a GPL-3.0 license, and its README says to use the project at your own risk and verify classifications before deleting files.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Optional AI
- Optional Claude AI analysis classifies files that remain UNKNOWN using installer metadata and provides a confidence score.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Output
- The CLI provides a Rich table and structured JSON output with file details, classifications, sizes, and errors.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Permanent deletion
- Deleting orphaned files is permanent and requires typing YES to confirm.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PatchClean AI scans the Windows Installer folder, identifies orphaned MSI and MSP files, and can archive or delete them to reclaim disk space.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The project lists Windows 10 or 11, Python 3.10 or later, and administrator privileges for move or delete operations.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Safety controls
- Move and delete operations require administrator privileges; the tool checks paths, rejects symlinks, and supports dry-run previews.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- The scan command can output JSON with file details, classifications, sizes, and errors for scripting or piping to other tools.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
