Is it right, fresh installation is better than upgrade in Windows 10?

Question

Hi,

I downloaded Windows 10 20H2 iso and installed as a Guest OS.
I assigned 30GB for Window 10, C drive.
After installation I see, 11.3 GB free of 29.4 GB. It means Windows 10 taken 18.1 GB.

On the other side, when I upgrade Windows 10 from old version to new version, generally more space occupied by C drive.

Is it right, fresh installation is better than upgrade in Windows 10?
If yes, please let me know, what is the way so that no garbage files should be after upgrade?

I upgraded Host OS to Windows 10 20H2. After upgrade I used steps: Settings > System > Storage.

In Storage, I see various information like System & reserved, Apps & features, Temporary files, etc.

In Temporary files, I checked all options for removing.

Moreover, I changed download path in all browsers, and I don’t save any files in C drive or on desktop.

At the end, it seems that more space occupied after upgrade.

With Regards
NndnG

Answer 1

Hello,

Everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

If you make clean install, of course the hard drive space is less occupied. But you have to make installation of all your programs and application again. Also, you need to activate the system again (if you're on retail license).

If you make an upgrade, you don't need to install all the programs again. There is no need of re-activating your system. However, files from previous version may remain on system which will still occupy hard drive space. Usually, they are moved to Windows.old folder. So if you remove them from the Windows.old folder, you can gain the hard drive space back.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi NndnG,
As far as I know, the major advantage of doing an in-place upgrade is that you don't have to reformat your hard drive. The new operating system will simply replace your previous installation, and you'll be able to keep all of your files and programs.
A clean install is an opportunity to start fresh from scratch without any bloatware and trial software that might have come pre-installed with your system. You will also regain control over your apps, as you can now install only the applications you need, and you'll also start with a brand new and clean Windows Registry.
If you want to reinstall everything then do a clean install, if not then just upgrade. Because after you upgrading your system, it will be backed up as Windows.old file.
The Windows.old folder contains all the files and data from your previous Windows installation. You can use it to restore your system to the old version of Windows if you don’t like the new version. So upgrade will take up more space. However, Clean Install only has system files.
Some more information in the link below could be helpful to you.
Clean install vs In-Place upgrade
https://turnkeypoint.com/clean-install-vs-in-place-upgrade/?c=109aaa212790
Best Regards,
Carl

Answer 3

@Kapil Arya and @Carl Fan

Thank you for replying for my question.

As both of you said about Windows.old folder, I am aware of it. When I removed Temporary files, Windows.old folder also removed.

For me, both answers are as Accept Answer but I can click for only one reply. That's why I commenting here.

With Regards
NndnG