Navigating the file system of a recently updated Windows PC can sometimes lead to the discovery of a seemingly redundant folder labeled ‘Windows.old’. This folder emerges as a vestige from your previous Windows installation when you transition to a fresh version of the Windows operating system. Essentially, it’s like a safety net. If your previous Windows installation was located on the C:\ directory, it gets transferred to this Windows.old folder. While this retention allows for a potential rollback, it does occupy a considerable chunk of disk space. Thus, for users who are confident in their recent OS update and are looking to declutter, removing the Windows.old folder becomes a desirable option. However, a simple ‘delete’ command won’t suffice. Windows has protective measures in place to prevent accidental deletion of this folder. Yet, if you’re resolute about claiming that storage space, taking ownership of the folder is your passport to removal. In this risewindows guide, we will illuminate the step-by-step process to acquire ownership and subsequently erase the Windows.old Folder from Windows 11/10/8/7 systems. If you’ve recently updated to Windows 11 and spotted this legacy folder, this guide is tailored for you. Dive in and free up that precious storage space!
How to Delete the Windows.old Folder in Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7?
Follow these steps to remove the Windows.old Folder in Windows 11/10/8/7:-
Step 1. First, download and install the TakeOwnershipPro freeware application.
Step 2. Then, right-click on Windows.old folder and select TakeOwnershipPro from the context menu.
Step 3. After that, the TakeOwnershipPro application will open up.
Step 4. Next, click the “Take Ownership” button, and the program will begin to take ownership of all files and subfolders in Windows.old folder. The program may take one to two minutes depending on the number of files/folders and the speed of your computer,
After performing the above steps, ownership is granted to your current user account, and then you can delete Windows.old folder without any permission issue.
Also Read: How to Remove Previous Windows Installation Files and Folders from Windows 11?
Conclusion
The Windows.old folder serves as a repository for your previous Windows installations, acting as a potential safety net for users who might want to revert to an older version. However, for those who have comfortably settled into their new OS update, this folder can be perceived as unnecessary clutter consuming valuable storage space. While deleting it might seem like a straightforward task, Windows has built-in protective measures that prevent its accidental removal. By using tools like TakeOwnershipPro, users can override these protective measures, take ownership of the Windows.old folder, and successfully delete it. For those eager to maximize their disk space, this risewindows guide offers a clear path forward.
