Storage system Low. Tempt folder cannot delete, New Start Menu UI

Question

hello i have a 3 Question im frustations for this issue

1. before 2 times i restore windows 11 my storage get a low from 150GB to 50GB, im trying to fine a copy of old windows but nothing i dont know what this happen and if i go to properties im fine a folder verions, but cannot delete it. how to fix this ?
2. in my temp files many folder cannot be delete it the name folder like tmp_1x87ym9, how i delete all folder ?
3. my start menu get a new ui but only 2 days and now my start menu back in default windows 11 im using :
   windows 11 pro 22h5
   OS build 26200.8117
   Experience : Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.297.0

i hope all the expert microsoft team solved my trouble. thank's

Answer 1

Hi Pugi Herbanu,

Thank you for sharing the details of your concerns. I understand how frustrating this experience can be, and I’d like to clarify what’s happening and outline the recommended steps to address each item.

1, Storage reduced after restoring Windows 11

After a Windows restore or upgrade, the system may retain previous installation and system backup files to support recovery. These files are protected and cannot be removed manually. You can try this approach to remove unneeded system backups and restores available storage:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage
• Select Cleanup recommendations
• Open Temporary files
• Check Previous Windows installation(s) and System files
• Click Clean up

2, Temporary folders (e.g. tmp_****) cannot be deleted

Some temporary folders are actively used by Windows services and are intentionally locked. Please follow these recommended steps to chekc:

• Close all open applications
• Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files
• Select Temporary files
• Click Remove files

To prevent buildup going forward, turn on Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage so Windows cleans these files automatically.

3, Start menu UI appeared briefly, then reverted

On your Windows 11 build, Start menu updates are delivered through phased feature rollouts. This means features may appear temporarily and be adjusted or reverted automatically as part of ongoing updates.

For your information:

• This behavior does not indicate a system issue
• No action is required on your part
• The interface will update again as rollout continues

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

1

Download the free TreeSize app from the Microsoft Store.

Very Important - to run TreeSize, you must right click its icon and choose Run as Administrator.

Please provide a screenshot of your C drive in that TreeSize utility, so I can see your hard drive and work out where that space is being used and if there is an underlying problem.

Please ensure the full TreeSize window is in the screenshot, there is information on the top and bottom bars I needs to see.

2

Some files and folders in the Temp folder cannot be deleted if they are currently in use by Windows or an app installed on your PC.

3

The new Start Menu in Windows 11 is being released slowly around the world like Microsoft do with all new features, some people have noticed it may disappear and revert to the old menu, but the new Start Menu will reappear on your system, there is nothing further you need to do about that, it will be resolved automatically.

Answer 3

For all three issues, use the built‑in storage tools in Windows 11 and, where needed, Storage Sense and Cleanup recommendations.

1. Storage dropped from 150 GB to 50 GB, “folder versions” cannot be deleted

This typically means system and temporary files (including previous installations, logs, and reserved storage) are consuming space.

1. Open Storage settings:
   • Select Start > Settings > System > Storage.
2. Use Cleanup recommendations:
   • In Storage, select Cleanup recommendations.
   • Review Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud, and Unused apps.
   • Select items to remove and then select Clean up for each section.
3. Check for previous Windows installation and system files:
   • In Cleanup recommendations, look for entries such as previous Windows installation or other large system files.
   • If listed and no longer needed, select them and clean up.
4. Turn on Storage Sense so Windows automatically manages temporary and cache files going forward:
   • In Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense.

If space is still low after these steps, consider using an external drive to move personal files and, if necessary, reinstall Windows as described in the reinstall guidance linked from the storage article.

2. Temp folder items like tmp_1x87ym9 cannot be deleted

Some temporary files are locked while apps or Windows are using them. To clear as much as possible:

1. Close all open apps.
2. Use Cleanup recommendations instead of manually deleting:
   • Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations.
   • Under Temporary files, select the temporary items Windows offers to remove, then select Clean up.
3. Enable Storage Sense so Windows regularly deletes unneeded temporary files and items in Recycle Bin:
   • Start > Settings > System > Storage.
   • Turn on Storage Sense.

If low disk space errors are related to Microsoft Store temp files, reset Store and Windows Update as documented:

1. Reset Microsoft Store apps troubleshooter:
   • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Next to Windows Store Apps, select Run.
2. Clear Microsoft Store cache:
   • Press Windows logo key + R, type wsreset.exe, select OK.
   • A Command Prompt opens briefly, then Microsoft Store opens.
3. Run Windows Update troubleshooter:
   • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Next to Windows Update, select Run.
4. Restart the PC.

3. Start menu UI changed for 2 days then reverted

Windows 11 does not provide a built‑in option to switch to a classic or alternative Start menu layout beyond the limited options under Settings > Personalization > Start. Changes in Start menu appearance for a short time and then reverting can be caused by preview/feature updates being rolled out and then rolled back.

To adjust what is available:

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Start.
2. Change the available layout and behavior options (for example, showing more pins or recommendations).

For a classic‑style Start menu (similar to older Windows versions), a third‑party utility is required; Windows 11 itself cannot fully switch to a classic Start menu.

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References:

• Free up drive space in Windows
• Storage settings in Windows
• Fix low disk space errors quickly in Windows
• %TEMP% folder that includes the logon session ID is deleted unexpectedly
• How do I set the classic start up menu in Windows 11? - Microsoft Q&A