Can I delete Windows.old KB ID 0001904
Problem
The Windows.old folder is generated when you reinstall or upgrade Windows without formatting the drive. Here are some scenarios that would have create it.
Upgrading Windows: When you upgrade to a newer version of Windows (e.g., from Windows 10 to Windows 11), the system creates the Windows.old folder to back up your previous installation. This allows you to roll back to the earlier version if something goes wrong or if you’re not satisfied with the upgrade.
Reinstalling Windows: If you reinstall Windows without performing a clean installation (i.e., without formatting the drive), the system creates Windows.old to back up your previous installation, including your system files, installed programs, and personal data.
Windows Reset or Refresh: When you reset or refresh your PC, some versions of Windows (e.g., Windows 10/11) may create Windows.old to store your previous system state temporarily.
System Recovery: Performing a recovery operation (e.g., restoring from a recovery drive) without wiping the disk can also generate Windows.old.
The folder serves as a safety net to.
- Roll back to the previous version of Windows (within 10 days for Windows 10/11).
- Recover personal files or settings if needed.
So if you need drive space back or simply do not think you need it anymore, can you safely delete/removeit?
Solution
Yes, you can safely delete the Windows.old folder, but only if you’re sure you won’t need to revert to a previous version of Windows. Here’s what you need to know before deleting it:
Why Would You NOT Want to Delete Windows.old?
- Revert to a previous version: You can use it to roll back to your old version of Windows within 10 days of the upgrade.
- Recover personal files: If anything went missing during the upgrade, you might find it in Windows.old.
How to delete Windows.old safely
You can’t delete it like a normal folder. Use the Disk Cleanup tool:
Press Win + S and type Disk Cleanup, then select it.
Click Clean up system files.
Select Previous Windows Installation(s).
Click OK to delete it.
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