How to Delete Windows.old? [100% Safe]

Part 1: What is Windows.old?

When you upgrade Windows or reinstall the operating system, Microsoft saves your previous system files in a folder called Windows.old. This allows you to revert to an earlier version if the new update causes issues.

The Windows.old folder typically contains:

• Your previous Windows system files
• Old program files
• Previous settings and configurations
• A backup of user profiles (limited)

Where is Windows.old located?

You can find it directly in C:\Windows.old. This folder is extremely useful, but only temporarily. After you confirm your system works correctly, it becomes safe to remove.

Part 2: Can I Delete Windows.old? Is It Safe to Delete Windows.old?

Yes, Windows.old can be deleted safely if you no longer need to roll back to your previous Windows version. The folder serves one main purpose of allowing you to revert to an older Windows build within 10 days. Once you pass that 10-day rollback window, or if your current installation is stable, keeping Windows.old only wastes space. Therefore, you can delete old Windows update files to free up valuable SSD space and improve disk efficiency

Part 3: How to Delete Windows.old? [Step-by-Step]

Deleting Windows.old folder requires using the correct system tools, because Windows locks certain files to prevent accidental removal. Fortunately, Windows 10 and 11 include several safe built-in cleanup utilities that can wipe the folder without harming your PC. Below, you’ll find both automatic and manual methods depending on how much control you want.

Method 1: Delete Windows.old from the Temporary files

Windows automatically detects the Windows.old folder as a temporary system file after an upgrade. By using the Temporary Files panel, you can let Windows free up the space in a safe, controlled manner. Here is how to delete Windows old directory from the Temporary files:

• Press “Win + I” for opening Settings and go to “System” then “Storage”. And scroll down to the list where you will find “Temporary Files” and click it.

  

• In the “Remove temporary files" section, check the option that says “Previous Windows Installations”. Then just click the Remove files button.

  

Method 2: Delete Windows.old from Storage Settings

The Storage Settings interface offers a more comprehensive look at how space is being used and allows you to target Windows.old directly. It’s a convenient option if you also want to review other large system files at the same time. This method gives you greater visibility before deleting anything. Remove Windows.old files automatically with the steps below:

• Open Settings on your PC with the help of “Win + I” keyboard shortcut and go to “Storage” inside System. Click “C onfigure Storage Sense or run it now” .

  

• Check the “Delete previous versions of Windows” and click the “Clean Now” button below.

  

Method 3: Delete Windows.old from Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is one of the oldest yet most reliable tools for removing Windows.old files. It scans your system for outdated installation files and safely clears them with administrative approval. This method is especially effective if Temporary Files or Storage Settings fail to detect or erase Windows.old.

• Open "This PC" and right-click the C drive that has the OS installed, then choose "Properties." Next click the "Disk Cleanup" button and select the "Clean up system files".

  

• Now, click the option saying "Previous Windows installations" and click OK, then Yes button.

  

Disk Cleanup is ideal for those who prefer a reliable legacy tool for removing installation of leftover files.

Method 4: Remove Windows.old via PowerShell

PowerShell offers another advanced way to delete Windows.old using administrative cmdlets. It gives you granular control over system files and can remove the folder even when other tools fail. This is an excellent option for IT professionals or users comfortable with scripting.

• Search “PowerShell” in Windows Search and right-click it to "Run as Administrator."

• Run the command “Remove-Item "C: Windows.old" -Recurse -Force”. When the command runs successfully, the folder and its contents will be deleted automatically.

Note:

• Recurse: deletes all files and subfolders inside Windows.old (goes deep into every directory);
• Force: skips confirmation prompts and removes protected/read-only files without errors.

Bonus: How to Keep Windows Running Smoothly?

Once you delete Windows.old, your PC will reclaim storage, but long-term performance requires keeping your drives clean and optimized. This is where the 4DDiG Partition Manager becomes extremely useful.

It includes a powerful Disk Wipe function that securely cleans unused sectors, removes residual junk, and prepares the drive for peak performance without affecting your active files. What’s more, if you wan to install Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware, as well as Windows 11 24H2, this tool can help you bypass the requirements, such as secure boot and TPM.

• Install the 4DDiG Partition Manager on your computer after downloading it, and then launch the software. Click "Toolkit" from the left menu pane and choose the "Data Erase" option.

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• Select the disk that you want to wipe clean, or you can also select a partition only instead of the whole disk, then click "Continue”.

  

• Make sure that you selected the right disk/partition and you have important data backed up, then click "Sure" to begin the process. Wait until the process is completed successfully, and then click "Finish."

  

Conclusion

The process to delete Windows.old folder is completely safe once you’re confident your Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation is working correctly. Whether you use Storage Settings, Disk Cleanup, or manual commands, each method securely removes the folder and frees valuable disk space.

For users who want to maintain long-term performance, 4DDiG Partition Manager is an excellent tool. Its Disk Wipe and optimization tools ensure your system stays clean, stable, and fast after every Windows update.