Unable to delete System Restore points using disk cleanup

Question

Original Title: Can't clean up system restore points and

The disc space on my Surface 2 is once again dwindling all of its own accord following some updates.

In the past I have been able to use Disk Cleanup to delete unnecessary system files, including old system restore points and shadow copies, but now nothing is happening.

If I go into Disk Cleanup > Cleanup System Files > More Options and select 'Clean up' on system restore and shadow copies, I am prompted if I really want to delete the files. Selecting 'Delete' on this dialogue box produces no results. Selecting 'Delete' on the dialogue box then 'OK' on the disk cleanup box produces no results.

What am I doing wrong/how do I clean up these excess system files?

Yes I have already tried resetting the device. I have tried to do this unsuccessfully on a number of different days.

Answer 1

Hi Elliot,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community Forum.

Please be assured that we would do our best to assist you.

Firstly, I suggest you to check if there are any System restore Points saved. Refer the steps:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type "Rstrui"& press Enter.
3. Click on Choose different restore point.
4. Check if there are any restore points saved.

Follow the methods below to delete System restore points and****save disk space:

Method 1

Try deleting the Restore Points from System Protection. (Refer the Image below)

1. Press Windows Key + X.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click on System & then click on System protection.
4. Click on Configure.
5. Click on Delete under delete all restore points for this drive.

Method 2

Set the amount of space for the recovery points to low so that oldest restore points deletes automatically.

You can set the amount of space for the recovery points to low and when you create a new one it deletes the oldest. This can help save disk space. (Refer the Images below)

Refer the steps below:

1. Press Windows Key + X.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click on System & then click on System protection.
4. Click on Configure.
5. Limit the usage to low space.

Method 3

Delete Windows updates downloads folder

Try deleting the Windows updates downloads folder to save disk space.

The Windows downloads folder saves the updates downloaded as temporary location. Deleting this folder does not affect Windows updates installed.

Refer the steps below:

1. Press Windows key + E.
2. Navigate to Local disk C: > Windows > Software Distribution > Downloads.
3. Delete the files in Downloads folder.

Also Refer:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/delete-files-using-disk-cleanup#delete-files-using-disk-cleanup=windows-8

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.