Now and then, tech experts advise you to take backups of your important data, including pictures, videos, documents, audio files and be it anything. Isn’t it? Having a copy or a backup of data does offer peace of mind that you have absolutely nothing to lose, especially during a device crash. Well, of course, there can be some more good reasons as well why you must take regular backup of your precious data.
So, if you’re someone who takes such advice pretty seriously, then we’re sure your device must be loaded with multiple backup files, right? Although, on the downside, Backup files take up a considerable amount of storage space on your disk. Hence, it becomes utterly important to delete backup files in Windows 10 so that they don’t clog your disk space unnecessarily.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10
In this post, we will be learning all about how to delete backup files in Windows 10 by making a few changes in the device’s settings. Let’s explore.
Disable Windows File History
Did you know about the Windows File History feature? Well, it is used for creating a backup of your documents, images, videos, music, desktop folders, and OneDrive files so that you can easily access them offline. But if you don’t want Windows to create a copy of your data, here’s what you need to do.
Press the Windows icon, select the gear-shaped icon to open Settings. Tap on “Update and Security”.
Switch to the “Backup” option from the left menu pane.
On the right side of the window, tap on the “More Options” button placed under the “Back up using File History” option.
On the Backup options page, check the “Keep My Backups” option and set the value as “Until Space is needed”.
Also, if you want to completely disable this option, tap the “Stop using Drive” option.
Delete System Restore Points
We’re all pretty much aware of the Windows System Restore feature, isn’t it? Your device creates various Restore Points to backup up your data now and then. But if too many system restore points are created on your device, it can occupy a considerable amount of storage space. To delete System Restore Points, follow these steps.
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box.
Type “Systempropertiesprotection” in the textbox, hit Enter.
In the System Properties window, tap the “Configure” button.
First, drag the “Max Usage” slider on the leftmost side and then hit the “Delete” button. By dragging the slider on the left, restore points will take up minimum device storage.
Check on the “Disable System Protection” option and then tap the OK button to save the recent changes.
Delete Windows.Old Folder
In our next step to delete backup files in Windows 10, we will be removing the Windows.old folder. This folder is automatically created on your device when you’re trying to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Although, your OS removes this folder automatically after a month or so after the upgrade. But if you want to delete it manually, here’s what you need to do.
Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Cleanmgr” and hit Enter.
In the Disk Cleanup window, tap on the “Clean up System Files” button placed at the bottom.
On the next window, look for the “Temporary Windows Installation Files” option in the box, check on it, and hit the “OK” button to delete the Windows.old folder.
After removing the Windows installation files, you will be able to save a considerable amount of storage space on your device.
Download and Install the Right Backup Tool on your Device!
Yes, backup files are important but they do take up a lot of disk space on your device. Don’t you agree? Having one or two copies of your data is fine but storing multiple backup files can occupy chunks of gigabytes on your PC.
Looking for the easiest, safest, and most secure way to backup data that doesn’t occupy disk space? Download and install the Right Backup utility tool on your Windows device, one of the best cloud-storage solutions to backup your important data, including pictures, videos, audio files, and almost anything precious. The Right Backup tool stores your data on the cloud making it easily accessible on multiple devices, no matter where you are!
Whether your device crashes or if you lose your smartphone, Right Backup makes sure that your precious memories remain intact irrespective of any hassle.
Conclusion
By following the above-mentioned methods, you can easily delete backup files in Windows 10. These solutions will not just allow you to get rid of backup files but will also help you save tons of storage space on your machine. Also, just keep in mind, only delete the backup files once you have a safe copy stored on your data so that you don’t lose anything during the process.