How to Delete the Windows.old Folder

After upgrading Windows to a new version or installing it over an older one, you may notice a folder named Windows.old on your system drive. This folder contains files from the previous system version and can occupy a significant amount of space. However, it’s not possible to delete it with a simple Delete command. In this guide, we’ll cover safe and effective ways to remove the Windows.old folder to free up space on your drive.

What is Windows.old, and Why Should You Remove It?

The Windows.old folder is automatically created during a Windows installation, saving all files from the previous system version, including user data, drivers, and settings. This feature allows you to restore the older version of Windows if needed. However, if you don't plan on reverting, the Windows.old folder merely takes up space on your system drive.

Methods to Delete the Windows.old Folder

1. Deleting through Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a standard and safe way to remove unnecessary files from your drive. To delete Windows.old using this utility, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
  3. Select your system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
  4. Once the scan completes, choose Clean up system files.
  5. Select the drive again and wait for the scan to finish.
  6. In the list that appears, check the box for Previous Windows installations and click OK.
  7. Confirm deletion by clicking Delete Files.

2. Deleting through System Settings

In recent versions of Windows, you can also delete the old folder via the System Settings:

  1. Open Settings (press Win + I).
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Click Free up space now.
  4. Select Previous Windows installations and click Remove files.

3. Manually Deleting with Command Prompt

If the above methods don’t work, you can delete the Windows.old folder through the Command Prompt:

  1. Search for cmd in Windows, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter:
    takeown /F C:\Windows.old /A /R
  3. Then enter the command:
    RD /S /Q C:\Windows.old

These commands adjust permissions for the folder and remove it completely.