How to Safely Delete Your Old Windows Version

Step 1Go to Storage Settings

Let’s start by locating where Windows displays your disk usage.

Press the Windows key on your keyboard (it has the Windows logo) or click the ⊞ Start button in the bottom-left corner. Then, click ⚙️ the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). Choose System, and then click on Storage.

Step 2Find Temporary Files

Temporary files are often where your old Windows version is hiding, ready to be deleted.

Temporary files reside on your main drive, typically labeled "C:". Clicking Temporary files initiates a scan. This scan identifies files Windows can remove to free up storage space on your computer.

Step 3Choose the Old Windows Version to Delete

You can choose to delete the previous version of Windows from the list of temporary files.

In the list of temporary files, locate the entry for ‘Previous version of Windows.’ Place a checkmark in the box next to it, then click the Remove files button located at the top of the list.

Step 4Confirm Deletion

Deleting your old Windows version is the final step, and this action permanently removes the previous operating system files. Once confirmed, you cannot recover the deleted Windows version.

The confirmation window reminds users that deleting the old Windows version cannot be undone. Users will lose the ability to return to the previous Windows version. If users are sure about deleting, they click Del.

Before deleting your old Windows version, carefully confirm the action. Once confirmed, Windows 10 deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Ensure all necessary files and settings from the old Windows are saved. If unsure about any data, cancel the deletion process to allow more time for checking.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Deployment/Install-Upgrade/delete-your-previous-version-of-windows

Summary

You can delete your old Windows version to free up storage space, but you’ll need administrator rights.