Removing Windows.Old

Question

I was recently provided an outstanding answer by Marcin Policht regarding the removal of $Windows.~BT.

His reply is here. I used the command line instructions he provided me with.

I need similar assistance removing Windows.Old. The methods provided by AI (below) will not work.

Thank you,

LGLDSR73

Answer 1

Windows will eventually remove Windows.old on its own if you leave it alone (i.e., don't try to open it, delete it or move it.) Once you've touched the file, Windows may not remove it automatically.

If you want to hasten the removal, run Disk Cleanup as an Administrator.

These are the supported methods for getting rid of Windows.old, and since I only do things the supported way, as boring as that may be, that's the only advice I can offer you. (In the past I did things my own way and learned where that can lead.)

Answer 2

Hi,

First of all, if you upgraded to Windows 11 from 10 or from build 24h2 to 25h2, if you delete the windows.old file, you won't be able to revert to the previous version. This folder, usually from updates, is usually stored on your PC for 14 days.

If you have something important, check your profile at c:> windows.old > users > <your username> > just to be sure before deleting.

Access the search bar, type disk cleanup > Wait for it to load > select clean up system files > Check all options except the downloads folder and click OK.

Restart your PC and access the local disk C to see if the windows.old folder is empty or doesn't exist.

If it's empty, just delete the folder and you're done.

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Thank

Answer 3

To remove the Windows.old folder in Windows 11, use Storage settings or Temporary files cleanup. Administrator privileges are required.

Method 1 – Storage settings (Windows 11)

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Select Storage.
4. Select Cleanup recommendations.
5. Under the list of items, select the checkbox for Previous Windows installation(s).
6. Select the Clean up button that shows the file size.

Method 2 – Temporary files (also removes Windows.old)

1. Press the Windows logo key, then select Settings > System > Storage.
2. Under your drive, select Temporary files.
3. Select the Previous version of Windows checkbox.
4. Select Remove files.

Notes:

• This deletes the Windows.old folder and removes the option to go back to the previous version of Windows.
• By default, Windows automatically deletes the previous version 10 days after an upgrade, so manual cleanup is only needed if space is required sooner.

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References:

• KB5012334—Delete the Windows.old folder using Storage sense in the Settings app
• Delete your previous version of Windows