Sometimes there are so many important files on our devices, and when we are least expecting it. The computer crashes! We lose all our important data. Don’t really relate? That is so because it is a thing of the past, especially since back-ups have arrived.
There are many good reasons why you might want to set up Windows 10 backups. When something goes wrong, backup can help you restore your files and system with minimal data loss. Unfortunately, the disruption is a loss of space – these files can clog your hard drive, especially on small drives.
Who hasn’t seen that one notification telling you that your storage is running out? Clearing out storage has always given us a stressful time. No matter how much you delete files that you no longer need, you’re going to find yourself back with the same notification. Backup files, the one great invention done by man, where you can and save all your data, have always protected our day.
Backup files consist of a copy of computer data that exists to restore an original file in case of deletion. Back up, files are stored in a 3-2-1 order, which means that an initial data has three copies, out of which two are stored in different storage media, and one is kept separate. In this case, the backup storage can build up, leading to a full backup disc, which means that you now do not have any of your data copied. Therefore, exposing them to the risk of being deleted or corrupted.
Have you ever wondered how to get rid of this sticky situation?
This leads to the question of how to delete unwanted backups on your Windows 10.
We have comprised you two easy and quick methods by which you can delete backup files and make changes to never deal with this again:
The 1st Method
Option 1
This method is done using built-in tools to remove backup storage. The steps are as follows:
- Step 1:
When you click on your start button, you will find the settings.
- Step 2:
Now, in the settings, you have an option of update & securities.
- Step 3:
Select the backup page and click on go to backup and restore the link.
- Step 4 :
A pop-up managed windows backup disc will appear. Here you are given an option of choosing – 1. free up the disc by deleting data file backups – view backups.
Option 2
Free up the disc by changing how windows retain older system images. – change settings
1. Step 1:
If you click on the first option of view backup, you’ll find yourself with another pop-up asking you to select a backup period. Now all you have to do is select the right time and date of which data is not needed.
Click on delete. While doing this, keep in mind that all the data backed up during the selected period will be erased, so check it up once before continuing!
2. Step 2
After having deleted your previous unnecessary backup, you can further customise your backup storage facilities by clicking on Change settings.
There are two options from here:
• Let Windows manage the space used for backup history.
Or
• Keep only the latest system image and minimise space used by the backup.
The first option here is selected by default. This option automatically saves the system images, and it takes up only about 30% of the storage. After the bar of 30% is met, the system deletes all of the older images.
The second option allows the storage of only the latest system images and conserves the backup storage. Here the old photos are deleted as new images fill in their spot.
The 2nd Method –
Windows 10 offers a much better standard backup system than older versions of Windows, thanks to a built-in file backup system. Using Windows File History, copies of files in certain sensitive folders are saved on a regular basis, from every 10 minutes to once a day, and backups are permanently stored. Your documents, desktop, pictures, downloads, music, and more are backed up due to the file history. Over time, with the increase of data, that could mean a huge increase in the last used space. If you want to know how to delete backup files within Windows 10, deleting your Windows File History backups should be the first task on your list.
Here’s how you can remove the file history :
- Step 1:
Search for the Control panel and click on the result.
- Step 2:
Upon opening, you need to look for Systems and security. Here, click on File History.
- Step 3:
Now click on the Advanced settings link.
- Step 4:
When this link opens up, you can customise the file history period by selecting how long you need the available file history versions.
- Step 5:
Click on the Clean up versions and select the period within which you need the file history to be deleted. If you need to remove the file history older than two months or 3months and so on, you can select it to your preference and delete the files.
You can also delete old restore points upon hitting full backup storage. To do this, you need to open the system protection tab and click on the Configure button. Here you can adjust the minimum storage that is used for system protection. When space fills up to the mark, the system automatically deletes all of the old restore points to maintain the storage amount.
Deleting the Windows old folder After Windows 10 Updates
If you want to clear the space after a major Windows 10 update, you must first delete the Windows old folder. This folder is automatically created as a backup for your old Windows installation when a major Windows update occurs.
You don’t have to worry about deleting this folder in most cases – Windows will automatically delete it a month after upgrading. If you want to remove it quickly to restore the space quickly, however, you can.
To delete the Windows. Old folder, you will need to use the Disk Cleanup tool. Press the Windows + R key and type cleanmgr, then click OK to unlock it.
In the Disk Cleanup window, press the program files cleanup option to view options for deleting program files.
In the Deleting Files list, make sure that the windows check box is enabled. You save extra space, and you can allow some settings or folders to be deleted at this time. When you are ready, press OK to start the removal process.
This will delete the Windows old folder and restore more gigabytes of space in the process. You will not be able to restore the old Windows installation if you do this, however, so ensure any updates or new installation will work properly before proceeding.
Deleting Points for Windows System Restore
Backing up files on older versions of Windows has been all-or-nothing – at least in terms of built-in features. One of the first features of the backup was the system restore feature, which keeps a summary of your Windows file installation now.
This feature is still available in Windows 10 and is used to create restore points for major system updates. If enabled and multiple restore points are made, it can take up valuable disk space. Deleting some of these restore points can be a good way to clear up some files.
To remove system restore points, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run window, type system properties protection and hit enter.
This will open the System Properties window. On the system protection tab, press the Configure button.
In the System Protection window, press the Delete button. This will delete any saved system restore points. You can also change the disk space that uses this feature by moving the Max Use slide.
Although not recommended, you can also disable this feature and restore the entire Protected System space for normal use by pressing the Disable system protection radio button. Press OK to save your settings when you’re done.
Once disabled, any space previously reserved for system restore points will be released for you to use elsewhere.
Clears disk space with Windows 10
While you should be able to delete any unnecessary backup files from Windows itself, there are better ways to create more space in Windows 10. For example, you can search for large files and delete them to make room for other apps and files.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to consider installing Windows 10 software to replace some important files — including your important Windows 10 files.
Conclusion
There is always a way around problems and for your backup problems, these few simple steps will help you in customising your Windows 10 for longevity and optimal system storage. Now you do not have ever to find yourself reading a full backup storage notification. We hope these tips helped you; visit CrunchyTricks for more such tips and tricks. Stay ahead of life!
