How to get rid of the Windows.old folder after upgrading to Win8 from Win7

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After one upgrades Win7 to Win8 the installer leaves a folder called Windows.old on the Hard Disk. Now this folder contains about 14.7GB of files cluttering up my 128GB SSD and these files cannot be deleted. The system jealously guards them.

The BIG question is how does one remove them to reclaim that much needed space on the drive?

God bless,

B

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You can simply delete the file. You can also run the disk cleanup utility, choosing the option to clean system files – if you do it, you will be offered the option to delete windows.old.

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You can also go in and delete large blocks of the folders/files inside and find out which are being protected by the system. You’ll be able to delete the vast majority of files that way. I find Windows 7 does the same thing but after a while it relinquishes and allows full deletion.

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Thanks for your replies however I am really not so impressed with Win8. It doesn’t offer any compelling reasons to change so I reverted back to Win7 which is just fine for all I need.

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For future reference MS shows the approved methodto delete the windows.old folder.

How long did you try Win 8? It took me a couple of weeks and quite a bit of customization to get accustomed to it. Most of that time was used learning how to get around in Win 8. That’s why I put together my Tutorial on Taking the scary out of Win 8.

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For future reference MS shows the approved methodto delete the windows.old folder.

That link is for Windows 7, Ted. No Start Orb in Windows 8.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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That link is for Windows 7, Ted. No Start Orb in Windows 8.

Sorry, I should have mentioned search Disk Cleanup, or if you have added one of the Start Orb alternatives as I have then the link will be appropriate.

Bottom line however is to use the Disk Cleanup utility as the correct method.

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Here are a few more options for deleting the Windows.old folder from The WindowsEightForums.

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Thanks Clint, there is a lot to wade through there but it is very helpful,

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The method in this link is fairly simple and straightforward.

I couldn’t merely delete the windows.old folder in either an explorer window or through an elevated command prompt; access denied. The folders are for the most part owned by TrustedInstaller. One must first take ownership in order to be able to delete the folders.

However, Cleanmgr.exe has sufficient privileges to wipe them out in short order. Just remember you have to run it twice in succession.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I finally did it but it requires 2 things:
Firstly to change the ownership of the Windows.old folder with all its sub folders to USERS and then
secondly run the Disk Cleanup Utility.

Thanks to you all for your readiness to help.

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I moved my windows.old file to an external HD as you never know when you may need “something”

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I moved my windows.old file to an external HD as you never know when you may need “something”

This is the BEST advice about the Windows.old folder. I know. I’ve had to refer back to it several times after a ‘disastrous’ Refresh!

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32290-Step4
This will be the key component in effectively removing the Windows.old folder when using the disk cleanup utility.
I had an extremely difficult time doing it otherwise.

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