As you can see in Figure B , the GB of files necessary to revert to Windows 10 after the Windows 11 update are significant. As you can see in Figure C , this feature will list the various sets of files you can safely remove from your system to reclaim hard drive storage space.
In our example, you can see that we can reclaim about 20GB of storage space with this one process. Considering how many files are involved and how much hard drive storage we are attempting to reclaim, the procedure could take a few minutes to complete. When it is finished you will have reclaimed a considerable amount of storage and can close Settings or you can click the back arrow to return the Storage screen.
When you click back to the Storage screen Figure B , you may notice there are other files and applications taking up hard drive storage space that Windows 11 considers potentially unnecessary.
Select a category from the list, and the system will provide more details. Some of which you may use every day, others you may have never used. Removing unused and unwanted apps could also reclaim a significant amount of storage space.
Also available on this page is the Storage Sense feature of Windows Activating this feature will allow the system to automatically delete files from your hard drive as they become obsolete and expendable. There are numerous detailed settings available with Storage Sense , including instructions for cloud services. Keep in mind, deleting the recovery files in this way will eliminate the possibility of reverting to Windows 10 after updating to Windows Once those files are deleted, the only way to return to Windows 10 is with a clean install.
Be certain Windows 11 is the operating system for you before you reclaim the storage space. Be your company's Microsoft insider by reading these Windows and Office tips, tricks, and cheat sheets. TechRepublic Premium content helps you solve your toughest IT issues and jump-start your career or next project.
The technologies could enable immersive experiences, accelerated AI automation and optimized technologist delivery in the next two to 10 years, according to the firm. After 10 days, the Windows. Unless you have a serious freezing problem, which you would notice right after the upgrade, we recommend that you delete the Windows. The OS won't let you just highlight the folder and hit the delete key, though. Here's how to delete the Windows.
Launch Disk Cleanup. You can get there by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the Cortana box. Select Previous Windows Installations and hit Ok.
Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. DaveM Independent Advisor. Hi ilicilicc, system files may account for the missing space, it may not. Windows Explorer is useless when it comes to working out where your hard drive space is being used.
Click the link below to download a small free utility called Treesize. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information.