Find old node_modules folders on Windows.
ArtifactPilot includes a focused Node modules only scan mode for developers who want to find large or forgotten node_modules folders without running a broad generic disk cleaner.
Focused scan
Use Node modules only when you want ArtifactPilot to look specifically for node_modules folders and nothing else.
Review before cleanup
Every candidate shows its path, size, risk label, and reason. Nothing moves just because a scan found it.
Recoverable workflow
After activation, approved cleanup requests use the Windows Recycle Bin path when Windows can safely recycle the item. Items are normally restorable until the Recycle Bin is emptied.
A narrow workflow for JavaScript and frontend projects.
node_modules folders can accumulate across old projects, experiments, cloned repositories, tutorials, and client workspaces. ArtifactPilot helps you find them from a Windows desktop interface, then choose which folders, if any, to remove after review.
This mode is intentionally narrower than Recommended or Comprehensive. It is useful when you know the storage problem is mostly Node dependencies and you do not want build outputs, caches, virtual environments, or reports mixed into the first review.
Usually rebuildable does not mean zero consequence.
Removing node_modules can make a project temporarily fail to run until dependencies are installed again with npm, Yarn, pnpm, Bun, or the package manager that project uses.
Review project paths carefully, especially for private packages, old projects that may no longer install cleanly, offline workspaces, or projects where dependencies were manually patched.
Node modules cleanup questions.
Is it safe to delete node_modules?
node_modules is usually rebuildable from project package manifests and lockfiles, but deleting it can make a project stop running until dependencies are installed again. Review each path before cleanup and expect to run your package manager afterward. After activation, approved cleanup requests use the Windows Recycle Bin path when Windows can recycle the item.
What does Node modules only scan?
ArtifactPilot's Node modules only mode is intentionally focused: it scans for node_modules folders only. It does not include Bower folders, package-manager caches, virtual environments, build output, test reports, or framework caches.
What happens after cleanup?
ArtifactPilot uses a review-first flow. You scan, inspect candidates, select items, approve a final dry-run preview, and then ArtifactPilot requests a Windows Recycle Bin move for approved items when Windows can safely recycle them. Items are normally restorable until the Recycle Bin is emptied; if Windows warns that an item cannot be recycled, cancel to skip it.
Can I scan an entire drive?
Yes, but scanning a project folder or workspace is usually better. ArtifactPilot includes safeguards for system folders, installed apps, game libraries, source-control folders, environment/configuration files, and uncertain long paths.
Start with Node modules only, then expand when you are ready.
ArtifactPilot also includes Conservative, Recommended, Comprehensive (Caution), and Custom modes for broader developer workspace cleanup.