Windows will save aWindows.oldfolder after you upgrade or reinstall the Windows operating system. It is a backup feature that exists in case you need to restore data and settings from the previous installation.
As per Microsoft, your system will automatically delete this folder after 10 days. But since it can take up to 30 GB of space, it’s best to remove it as soon as possible if you don’t need any backup.
Your user account won’t have permission to delete this folder by default. So, you need to use alternate methods to remove it or change the permissions and then delete it.
Through Windows Storage Settings
The easiest way to delete theWindows.oldfolder is through the Storage Settings on Windows. This setting lists the disk usage of different types of files. It also categorizes different kinds of temporary files occupying the disk and allows you to clear them without any issues.
TheWindows.oldfolder containing the previous Windows installation is included in this list, so it’s an effective way to remove the folder.
Another way you may remove the temporary files from your system is by using theDisk Cleanup wizard. Since your system treatsWindows.oldas a temporary file, this utility is also able to delete this folder.
Through Storage Sense
Storage Sense is the newer alternative to the traditional Disk Cleanup Wizard and was introduced in Windows 10. Since it included some features that the storage settings itself were already providing, Microsoft removed these redundant features in Windows 11.
But in Windows 10 itself, you may utilize the Storage Sense feature to remove theWindows.oldfolder.
By Manually Taking Ownership
It is also possible to change the ownership and permission settings of theWindows.oldfolder and then delete it.
However, changing the permission of your system folder is not a good idea, as any mistakes during the process can break your system. So only try this method if the previous ones don’t help.
you may go to the Security Properties of the folder and change the ownership/permissions. But it’s actually easier touse the Command Promptfor this purpose as you’ll only need a few commands.
you may also copy these commands to a text editor and save it as a.batfile. Then, simply running the batch script is enough to delete theWindows.oldfolder whenever you want.
