Have you noticed that your disk is fuller than usual after a Windows update? If so, the culprit could be the Windows.old folder, which stores files from the previous version of the operating system. Although Windows automatically deletes it after a while, you may want to delete it first to free up space on your disk. If you need more information on how to deal with permissions, see this article on permissions in Windows 10.
However, it's not as simple as clicking 'Delete'. This folder is protected by the system and requires specific methods for its deletion. In this article, we explain step by step how to delete the Windows.old folder in Windows 10 and Windows 11 safely and without affecting the performance of your team.
What is the Windows.old folder and why is it created?
When you upgrade your operating system, Windows creates a folder called Windows.old, where it saves the earlier version of the system. Its main function is to allow you to return to the previous version of Windows in case the update presents problems or you are not satisfied with it. If you want to learn more about the system file structure and folder cleanup, visit this article on clean installation folders.
In addition to system files, this folder contains settings, user profiles, and personal dataThis can cause it to take up several gigabytes and is one of the main reasons why disk space decreases after updating Windows.
Is it safe to delete Windows.old?
Yes, deleting the Windows.old folder is safe., as long as you're sure you don't need to go back to the previous version of the operating system. Windows automatically deletes it after 10 days (in Windows 10) or 30 days (in older versions), but if you need space before then, you can delete it manually. If you're having trouble accessing certain files, check out our tips on how to delete them. access denied in Windows.
How to delete Windows.old in Windows 10 and Windows 11
Below, we explain the most effective methods to remove the Windows.old folder from your system:
1. Use Storage Sense
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a tool called Storage Sense which allows you to delete unnecessary files, including the Windows.old folder. Follow these steps:
- Opens Configuration from the Start menu.
- Choose System and then Storage.
- In the Storage Sense section, click Change how we automatically free up space.
- Activate the option Delete previous versions of Windows.
- Press the button Clean now to complete the process.
2. Use Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a classic Windows tool for deleting unnecessary files. To use it:
- Press Windows + R, writes cleanmgr and hit Enter.
- Select the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
- Click on Clean system files.
- Check the option Previous Windows installations.
- Press Accept and then Delete files.
3. Use Command Prompt (CMD)
If you prefer to do it manually by commands, follow these steps:
- Open the Symbol of the system with administrator permissions (search cmd, right click and select Run as administrator).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
takeown /F "C:\Windows.old" /A /R /DY
- Then run:
icacls "C:\Windows.old" /grant *S-1-5-32-544:F /T /C /Q
- Finally, delete the folder with:
RD /S /Q "C:\Windows.old"
This process will remove Windows.old without any need for additional toolsIf you want more information about reinstalling Windows, you can check out this article on reinstall Windows 10.
What to do if you can't delete Windows.old?
If you follow these methods and are unable to delete Windows.old, you may need to additional permissionsTo fix this, log in with an administrator account and try again. If you continue to experience issues, check the system for any errors that you may need to resolve. troubleshoot errors in Windows 10.
Another solution is to reboot into Safe Mode before attempting to delete the folder. To do this:
- Press Windows + R, writes msconfig and hit Enter.
- Go to the tab start and check the option Fail-safe boot.
- Restart your computer and try deleting the folder from File Explorer or CMD.
If after this you still can't delete Windows.old, there may be files locked by the system. To delete them, you can use third party tools as Unlocker.
Windows.old is a useful folder when you want to revert to a previous version of Windows, but if you don't need it, you can easily delete it to free up space. There are several ways to do this, from built-in tools like Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup to advanced methods using CMD. By following these steps, you can safely delete it without risking your system.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.