In this article we will find out of running Windows 11 without the Windows.old folder is possible or not.
1. Setting up the conditions that create a Windows.old folder.
- We will reinstall Windows 11 using Microsoft's Windows Installation Assistant. First by downloading it:
2. After the installation process is done - restart Windows.
3. Windows is now reinstalled. The previous version of Windows is now stored in the Windows.old folder.
4. As you can see, deleting Windows.old folder entirely from witnin Windows is not possible in this case:
5. In order to perform that, we will have to use an offline version of Windows called Windows PE called HBCD in this case.
6. We will delete the Windows.old folder from within Windows PE (HBCD):
7. If any dialogs arise - Mark them as "Do this for all current items" and click on Yes
8. Windows.old folder is now completely deleted:
9. Rebooting back to Windows 11:
10. Windows 11 has been booted successfully.
11. Conclusion:
Windows.old folder can be deleted without concequences regarding Windows 11's boot up.