How to Safely Delete Your Old Windows Version
Deleting your old Windows version frees up significant disk space after an upgrade.
The old Windows version is essentially a backup copy stored on your drive. It lets you roll back to a previous Windows installation if something goes wrong with your new setup. Windows usually removes this backup automatically after about 10 days.
Manually deleting an old Windows version frees up many gigabytes of storage space, often more than 20 GB on a typical installation. You can perform this deletion when you are certain you will not need to revert to the previous Windows version.
Make sure to back up important files before you start. You’ll also need administrator rights on your PC to complete the deletion.
Delete your old Windows version by going to Settings > System > Storage. Click Temporary files, select “Previous version of Windows,” and then click Remove files. Confirm the deletion to reclaim disk space.
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 the "Temporary files" option initiates a scan that identifies files Windows can remove to free up storage space on your computer, potentially freeing up 5 gigabytes of space.
Step 3Choose the Old Windows Version to Delete
To delete the old Windows version files, find ‘Previous version of Windows’ in the list of temporary files. Put a checkmark next to it to select it for removal. Then, click the ‘Remove files’ button at the top to start deleting the old Windows 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
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.
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Summary
You can delete your old Windows version to free up storage space, but you’ll need administrator rights.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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