Can I delete mdf files?

What are MDF files used for?

mdf extension is a Master Database File used by Microsoft SQL Server to store user data. It is of prime importance as all the data is stored in this file. The MDF file stores users data in relational databases in the form columns, rows, fields, indexes, views, and tables.

What is stored in MDF file?

MDF's are where all the database information is stored. It contains the rows, columns, fields and data created by an application or user. Database column creation, modifications and information record creation, modification are all stored within this file for searching and application use.

Is it safe to shrink MDF file?

Shrinking MDF and NDF file is possible and there is no chance of data loss. It is not always advisable to shrink those file as those files are usually growing. There are cases when one database is separated in multiple database of any large table is dropped from database MDF and NDF can contain large empty space.

Why is my MDF file so big?

Because the MDF was allocated with 154Gb, or has grown to 154Gb through various operations. A database file has at least the size of the data in it, but it can be larger than the used amount by any amount.