Updating - Free up disk space (windows.old etc)


  1. Posts : 11,247
    Windows / Linux : Arch Linux
       #1

    Updating - Free up disk space (windows.old etc)


    Hi there

    To Windows updaters (those who've upgraded rather than done a "Clean install").

    This is also especially good if you are using smaller capacity SSD's for your installation or even VM's where you don't want to use too much disk space either.

    You can delete the Windows.Old and the temporary setup files (saved me around 15GB - which on a 110 GB SSD is significant !!).

    Simply follow the instructions here -- you don't need any "Take ownership", registry hacks or special privileges -- it's all done from File Explorer. It's for windows 8.1 but works identically with windows 10.

    Delete the temporary installation files too - those are around 5GB.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2...dows-10-a.html

    Cheers
    jimbo
    Last edited by Brink; 03 Oct 2014 at 10:19. Reason: replaced link for the same here
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 429
    Windows 10 Fast Ring
       #2

    Delete hiberfil.sys


    Don't forget to delete the hiberfil.sys file by disabling hibernate. I think it was 12 GB on my installation SSD.


    1. Open a command prompt with administrative privileges.
    2. Enter "powercfg.exe -h off"
    3. Exit the command prompt.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 276
    Windows 10 Insider Program, Linux Mint 19, Arcolinux, MX-17
       #3

    I ended up deleting Windows.old by using Puppy Linux. First, I tried CCleaner (it does have that option), and then the options listed by jimbo45. Not the first time Puppy Linux saved the day!

    Rich
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 429
    Windows 10 Fast Ring
       #4

    rmonroe36 said:
    I ended up deleting Windows.old by using Puppy Linux. First, I tried CCleaner (it does have that option), and then the options listed by jimbo45. Not the first time Puppy Linux saved the day!

    Rich
    When I tried the link above and it did not work, I found several ways to delete the window.old folder online and tried a command window variant. The folder was still there, showed a value of one byte, but was still stuffed with 6GB of files/folders, heh. I finally got rid of it properly by the link Jimbo pasted above. I do not recommend removing it in any other way as this folder is well protected by strong admin security. The delete folder link above should have worked, my fault was not bothering to scroll down and checking the box to delete the "previous windows install" box. It properly removed the folder and the added disk space on my SSD once I actually did it properly.
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 00:05.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums