How to Delete the Windows.old Folder in Window 10, 8, and 7

This article explains how to remove the Windows.old folder in Windows 10, 8, and 7 to clean up your computer and get rid of files that you no longer need.

How to Delete the Windows.old Folder

If you've upgraded to a new version of Windows at some point, then a significant portion of your previous operating system's files are likely still sitting on your hard drive in a folder named Windows.old. Deleting these files can free up precious space on your PC. To delete the Windows.old folder:

1. Type disk cleanup in the Windows search box and select the Disk Cleanup app from the list that appears.

   Select the Start Menu to access the search box in older versions of Windows.

   

2. Select Clean up system files. Disk Cleanup will analyze your hard drive and calculate how much space it can clear up.

   

3. Once scanning and analysis are complete, the Disk Cleanup window will re-appear with new options listed under Files to delete. Check the box beside Previous Windows installations (or Older versions of Windows), then remove the checkmarks next to other items in the list (unless you want to delete them from your hard drive as well) and select OK.

   If you do not see these options available, then Disk Cleanup didn't find any old Windows files on your PC.