Do You Know the Process – How to delete backup files in Windows 10/8/7

Windows is the most preferred Operating System for personal computers in the world. As the most popular OS, Windows by Microsoft allows users to carry out everyday computing tasks. Here, you can find the details about how to delete backup files in Windows 10.

With the Windows operating system, you can check email, browse the internet, play graphics-intensive games, edit photos and videos, and do much more. The operating system has several features to keep you updated and ahead of your peers. One of the essential elements that Windows offers to its users is backup and restore.

By the looks of it, this feature allows you to backup data of any size to protect your work and your PC from unprecedented data loss, which is expected due to malware and viruses. However, if the disk space you’ve assigned for backup is full, you can no longer create any more backup.

Given that the repercussions are massive, there’s one problem with constant backups in Windows. The data keeps on growing. Moreover, if your computer or laptop has less Hard Disk Drive space, then it will consume free space over time. In addition to this, if the backup disk is overloaded, you can no longer create future backups; this will leave both your system and data at risk.

So, Why do you need to delete Backup Files?

By now, you’re already aware of how the app data and Backup Files increase when it continues filling up, and they should take up space. In time, the disk space allocated for the backup drive will fill up, and eventually, when this happens, most of your data will go around being unprotected.

You might be thinking that deleting backup files will put your computer at risk. So far, this is partly true. If you’re careful and delete the older backup files, you can free up space while protecting your computer.

Deleting the older backup files might seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s relatively easy. It is not going to consume a lot of your time to delete older backup files. Ensure that you delete the old backup and app data; this is the only process by which you make space for future backups.

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There are two simple methods to delete older backup files from your computer. Take a peek at them:

First Method: Using the pre-installed tool to Delete the Backup Image in Windows 10/8/7

One of Windows OS’s best features is that the manufacturer allows to schedule the time as to when the backup file will be deleted. If you follow this step, then you won’t have to do the hard work later on. Windows OS comes with a utility, namely, Backup and Restore, which makes things easy for anyone. You can also back up your files and OS on any hard disk or USB drive.

Here are the steps which you could follow to delete backup files:

Step 1: At first, you have to click on the Windows Start button and then proceed to settings and select the option “Update and Security.”

Step 2: Toggle the option “Go to Back and Restore on (Windows 7)” located on the “Backup” option Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

Step 3: Once you complete the steps mentioned above, you’ll find the “Backup” section. All you have to do is proceed and choose the “RUN AS ADMINISTERED option called “Manage Space.”

Step 4: The steps mentioned above will lead you to the final stage, where a window with a couple of options will pop-up. You’ve to click on the window, “Manage Windows Backup disk space.” Then clicking on the appropriate option to delete old backup files will free up the necessary space for future backups. Upon the completion of the step, you’ll acquire more space on the disk allocated for backup.

There are also other options that you can use to delete backups, such as:

First Option:

In the first option, you’ll find Windows allows users to manage the space the system uses for backup. There is one essential advantage, and whenever space gets less than 30%, Windows automatically deletes the file. People are already aware that system images are entirely automatic when Windows manages space. Each time HDD space reaches 30% free, the old files are removed. How cool is that?

Also, Read: Antivirus Softwares for Windows 10

Second Option:

In the second option, you can keep that latest image of the system and minimize the backup drive’s space. With this option, you can seamlessly retain specifically the new images. If you want to have personal disk space & still possess the latest system images, you should consider this option. As per your requirements, you can choose the ideal plan to delete the backup files.

Method 2: Delete the Existing History Backups

In the modern-day Windows OS, users are allowed to back up the files seamlessly in regular intervals. Some of the data will be saved routinely by utilizing Windows File History. You can also schedule the backup and delete timing. In addition to this, you can back up files every 10 minutes. Given that this sounds unrealistic, it is still possible.

In this method, the storage space also increases every time the backup is made. Let’s proceed with how to delete old backup files in Windows. Follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: When you come across the conventional search option, type Control Panel. You’ll be redirected directly to the results and then click on the utility option.

Step 2: Here, you’ll find another section called “System and Security.” Upon being redirected, click on file History and then open it.

Step 3: Now, click on the “Advanced Setting,” where you’ll find many other options.

Step 4: If you prefer not to keep several versions of the same file type, this might be the perfect option. For instance, you can retain these files for at least three months, if you desire it.

So, all the data which are over three months old will be deleted automatically. It is entirely safe to delete the backfile files at regular intervals.

The feature ensures that you only keep the recent or latest versions of files and folders. The advantage, this feature is meant to remove older files without a hiccup. There are tons of features such as these on Windows 8, 8.1, and 10. Since last year, as Microsoft has stopped Windows 7, it would be wise for users to move to the latest versions. The only thing you need to do is switch on the “Clean up versions” option.

Conclusion

Microsoft is manufacturing Windows with default settings for file backup, restore, and delete. There are always the chances that the built-in tools for backup aren’t sufficient and can also be reliable. It is better if users delete the backup manually on Windows 7, 8, and 10.