Deleting Windows.old in the C drive

Windows.old is an old system file that is automatically backed up during system updates, backups, and restorations. It is located in the C drive and takes up a lot of space.

If you are sure that you do not need old system files, you can clear the disk to delete the folder and free up space in the C drive. To do this, perform the steps below.

1. Press the Win and E keys at the same time to display File Explorer. Right-click Windows(C:) and select Properties.

   

2. Click Disk Cleanup.

   

3. Click Clean up system files.

   

4. After the scan is complete, select Windows Update Cleanup (or Previous Windows installation(s)) under Files to delete and click OK.
    

   • If you do not update or back up and restore the system, or if the system was updated a while ago, the system will automatically clear this file. In this case, the Windows Update Cleanup (or Previous Windows installation(s)) option is not available.
   • For more information about how to delete the Windows.old folder, visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12425/windows-10-free-up-drive-space.

   

5. Wait until the system processing is complete. The Windows.old folder in C drive will then be cleared.

You can also click the Windows start icon, click the Settings icon, go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files, select windows.old, and click Delete Files to delete the Windows.old folder from the C drive.