Guide to Removing Windows Setup Files from Windows 10 Safely

How to Clear Out Windows Installation Files on Windows 10 for Some Extra Disk Space

Clearing out leftover installation files in Windows 10 can really free up space, which is pretty much a necessity if the dreaded “low disk space” warning pops up. After updates, Windows keeps some files around that you don’t really need anymore. Getting rid of them is a straightforward way to reclaim valuable storage without throwing your system into chaos.

Here’s How to Clear Those Windows Setup Files

It’s not rocket science, and even those who aren’t tech wizards can manage this. Just a few clicks and maybe a little patience can make a big difference.

Kick Things Off with Disk Cleanup

Start off by launching the Disk Cleanup tool. Type “Disk Cleanup” into the Start menu search bar and hit that app like it owes you money. Or, you can do:

• Hit Windows key + S, type cleanmgr, and boom, you’re in.
• Or go through Settings > System > Storage, find Temporary files, and start Disk Cleanup from there.

This utility is supposed to make spotting and cleaning out junk files easy — though sometimes it’s a bit too keen on keeping certain things.

Choosing the Right Drive

When the Disk Cleanup tool fires up, it’ll prompt you to choose a drive. Most likely, it’s going to be your C: drive that’s taking up all that space. Make sure you pick the right one; cleaning the wrong drive could lead to that nail-biting “where did my files go?” moment.

Diving Into Advanced Options

Click on “Clean up system files.” This option opens up a whole new realm of delete-able categories, including those pesky Windows setup files that are just sitting there. You might have to confirm your drive selection again, but it’s worth it.

Finding the Windows Setup Files

Look for “Windows Setup Files” in the list and check that box. These files can be hefty, especially after updates. It’s like finding an old suitcase filled with something you thought you lost — time to let it go.

Wrapping It Up

Click OK, then hit Delete Files to kick off the cleanup process. It could take a minute, depending on how much is getting tossed out. Once it’s done, you should see more room on your drive, and things might just run smoother — or as smooth as Windows ever does, right?

Pro Tips for Cleaning Up

• Manually delete cache and temp files too. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files and take stock of what to delete.
• Consider using cleanmgr /sagerun:n in Command Prompt if you’re feeling adventurous.
• After upgrades, check for Previous Windows installations to remove them if you’re absolutely certain you won’t be rolling back.

Best Practices Before Hitting Delete

• Double-check what you’re about to delete to avoid wiping out anything crucial.
• Regularly running Disk Cleanup can keep things in check.
• If unsure, back up important docs before going full cleaning mode.
• Be extra careful on the OS drive; accidental deletions here can be a headache.
• Research files if you’re in doubt; it can save you from future troubleshooting pain.

Common Questions About Windows Setup Files

What are these Windows setup files anyway?

They’re just temporary files that pop up during installs or updates and are usually lying around in places like C:\$Windows.~BT or C:\$Windows.~WS. Once the setup is done, they’re pretty much useless.

Should I really delete them?

Yep, they hog disk space, especially after several updates. Clearing them out helps performance and opens up room for everything else that matters.

Can deleting them mess with my system?

Not at all. Once they’re done serving their purpose, they’re safe to delete without messing up your OS.

Can I get them back after deletion?

Unless there’s a backup or recovery tool involved, that’s a no-go. So, think twice before hitting delete.

Is Disk Cleanup even trustworthy?

Definitely. It’s built into Windows for a reason, and it’s generally safe for cleaning out unnecessary stuff.

Cleaning up old Windows setup files can make your system feel less cramped, which is a win for anyone dealing with storage issues. Be sure to keep up with regular cleanings to maintain a healthy balance of space and performance. With just a few simple actions, it can really help keep everything running smoothly and ensure there’s enough room for new files or projects. Just remember, every little bit counts when it comes to keeping your PC fit for use.

Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone.

• Open Disk Cleanup.
• Select the correct drive.
• Choose “Clean up system files.”
• Check “Windows Setup Files.”
• Confirm and execute the cleanup.

Just something that worked on multiple machines.