How to Delete Old Backup Files in Windows 10

With Windows 10, users can back up their computer files and data, protecting against possible system crashes or data loss. Although the backup file provides a restore point for a Windows PC, multiple backup files consume memory space and can affect system performance.

To prevent backup files from consuming memory space, it is important to delete old files and keep only the most recent backups. However, if you want to free up memory space on your PC, to delete them, you can:

Note: In Windows 10, backup files are stored on the C: drive.

Delete Old Backup Files in Backup and Restore

Backup and Restore was a built-in feature in Windows 7. This feature would automatically back up files to a storage location. In Windows 10, Backup and Restore has been replaced by File History.

Here’s how to delete old backup files:

Stage 1: In the Windows Search box, type Backup settings and select Open.

Step 2: When the Backup Settings window opens, click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Stage 3: In the next window that opens, you should see the current backup drive. Click Manage Space.

Note: If you see the message “Windows Backup not installed”, skip the other steps in this section. This means there is no old Windows 7 backup file messing with your drive.

Step 4: In the new window that opens, click View Backups to view the timestamp on the different backup files. Decide and choose which Backup period you are comfortable with deleting.

Step 5: Click Delete to get rid of the contents of this Backup period.

Delete Old Backup Files in File History

With Windows 10, users have Windows File History that can back up files in critical folders every 10 minutes or once a day depending on user settings. The frequency of the backup action can consume PC storage space.

Here is how to delete old backup files from File History in Windows 10:

Stage 1: Right-click the Windows Start button and select Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings window, go to Update & Security and click on it.

Stage 3: Click Backup from the options in the left tray.

Step 4: If you are already using Windows File History, click More options to check the size of the Backup file and the timestamp of the last backup.

Note: If you find that Backup Using File History is disabled, skip the other steps in this section. This means that no backup files mess up your drives.

Step 5: Search for Windows PowerShell in the Start menu to remove the backup files saved in File History.

Step 6: Type the following syntax in the Powershell window and press Enter on your keyboard to run the command:

fhmanagew.exe -cleanup 

Note: Doing so removes all file backups except the most recent ones.

Delete Old System Restore Points

One of the first backup features in Windows was System Restore. This feature saves a snapshot of Windows files and installation at specific times.

This feature, when enabled, sets up multiple restore points that can take up space on your drive. To remove these restore points, you need to:

Stage 1: Launch the Run dialog by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.

Step 2: Type in the dialog box system properties protection in the search box and select OK.

Stage 3: Click Configure in the System Properties window.

Step 4: In the System Protection window, click Delete to remove all existing restore points.

Step 5: Click OK to save the changes.

Note: You can configure the amount of space your restore points occupy in the System Protection window by moving the slider.

Delete Old Backup Files Using Windows Cleanup Tool

Windows also backs up temporary files and system files. These backup files consume storage space on your drive. You can get rid of these files with the Windows Cleanup Tool using the following steps:

Stage 1: Type the following in the Windows search bar Disk Cleanup and select Open.

Step 2: Let Windows do a quick scan for files it needs to delete.

Stage 3: In the Disk Cleanup window, tick the checkbox for the temporary backup file and click Clean up system files to start the cleanup process.

How to Backup Files Properly in Windows 10

Using any of the above methods you should delete the old Windows 10 backup files on your PC thus freeing up space on your drive. Learn how to properly back up files in Windows 10 to prevent your old backup files from constantly taking up space on your computer.