Windows.old Folder Won’t Delete in Windows 10

Help Center Windows

After upgrading to Windows 10 from an earlier version, you’ll most likely find Windows.old folder on your system drive. This folder contains installation files of an earlier version which are no longer needed.

Besides, your documents, downloads, pictures, music files are also located in the same folder, in case default folder locations were unchanged. The first thing you’ve to do is to get back all your important stuff and then delete Windows.old folder as it consumes several GBs of your hard drive without any purpose.

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The problem with many people is that the folder fails to delete. They cannot move the folder to Recycle Bin or delete it permanently (using Shift + Delete) due to system protection. In this article, you’ll learn how to delete this folder and get back the free space.

 

Log-In through Safe Mode

Log-in to your PC using safe mode and check whether you can delete Windows.OLD folder. Safe Mode prevents the execution of Non-Microsoft programs that might be using some folder contents.

  1. Open up System Configuration tool. To do so, open Run dialog and type “MSCONFIG”, press Enter.
  2. In the Boot tab, there is “Safe Mode” checkbox. Check-up that box, and then save your changes.
  3. You’ll be prompted to restart the PC.
  4. Delete the folder in Safe Mode.

 

Use File Unlocker

Start this process only if you can afford to keep your computer idle for several hours. As in my case, it took around 4-5 hours for the simple task of moving Windows.old folder to Recycle Bin. You won’t be able to use your computer during this process as it prevents opening any applications.

  1. Download a Free Unlocker from CNET Downloads Center.
  2. Install it on your PC and run.
  3. A Start Menu entry will be created. Open up your Start Menu, and then click All Apps | Unlocker | Start Unlocker.
  4. You’ll be prompted to select the location. Locate the following folder:
  • C:\Windows.OLD
  1. Click OK.
  2. In most cases, it will report “No Locking handle found”.
  3. Select “Delete” action and then click OK. This might take several hours.
  4. After completing the process of moving all Windows.old folder contents to Recycle Bin, delete the files permanently. To do so, right-click Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.