Can I Delete Windows10Upgrade Folder?
Yes, you can delete the Windows10Upgrade folder, but you should only do so after Windows Update has finished installing the latest feature update and you have rebooted your PC. This folder is created by the Windows 10 Update Assistant and contains the installation files (often several gigabytes) used to upgrade your system to a newer version of Windows 10.
What Is the Windows10Upgrade Folder?
The Windows10Upgrade folder is a hidden system folder located at the root of your system drive (usually C:\Windows10Upgrade). It is created by the Windows 10 Update Assistant, a standalone tool that Microsoft provides to manually trigger a feature update—like upgrading from Windows 10 version 1909 to 2004. The folder stores the downloaded installation files (the ESD or WIM image), logs, and temporary data needed to perform the upgrade.
Unlike the C:\Windows.old folder, which holds the previous operating system for rollback purposes, the Windows10Upgrade folder is primarily a staging area for the new version’s files. Once the upgrade completes and you have verified that your system works correctly, the folder is no longer needed and can be safely removed to reclaim disk space.
Why Does It Take Up So Much Space?
The folder can consume between 5 and 20 GB, depending on the size of the feature update and the architecture of your system (32-bit vs 64-bit). The Update Assistant downloads the full installation image, not just a delta patch, so the size is substantial. If you are low on disk space, deleting this folder is a quick way to free up several gigabytes.
However, before you delete it, check whether the upgrade has actually completed. If you delete the folder mid-upgrade, the installation may fail or leave your system in an inconsistent state. Always confirm that the new version is installed (go to Settings > System > About and check the version number) and that you have rebooted at least once.
How to Safely Delete the Windows10Upgrade Folder
There are two main methods to remove the folder: using Disk Cleanup or manually deleting it via File Explorer. Both are safe if the upgrade is finished.
Method 1: Disk Cleanup (Recommended)
- Press Windows Key + S and type “Disk Cleanup”.
- Select the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:).
- Click Clean up system files.
- Wait for the scan to finish, then check the box next to Temporary Windows installation files (this includes the Windows10Upgrade folder).
- Click OK and then Delete Files.
Method 2: Manual Deletion
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\. - If you don’t see the folder, go to the View tab and check the box for Hidden items.
- Right-click on the Windows10Upgrade folder and select Delete.
- If prompted for administrator permission, click Continue.
- Empty the Recycle Bin to actually free the space.
If the folder is locked and you get an access denied error, restart your PC and try again. In rare cases, you may need to take ownership of the folder, but that is usually unnecessary after a successful upgrade.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Windows10Upgrade folder is the same as the Windows Update cache. It is not—the Update cache is stored in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and contains updates downloaded via Windows Update. The Windows10Upgrade folder is specific to the Update Assistant tool.
Another issue users encounter is that the folder reappears after deletion. This happens if the Update Assistant is still running in the background or if you run it again. To prevent it from coming back, make sure the tool is closed (check the system tray) and uninstall it if you no longer need it (via Settings > Apps).
Some users worry that deleting the folder will remove the ability to roll back to the previous Windows version. That rollback is handled by the Windows.old folder, not the Windows10Upgrade folder. If you want to keep the rollback option, leave Windows.old alone; it is automatically removed after 10 days anyway.
When Should You NOT Delete It?
Do not delete the folder in the following situations:
- The upgrade is still in progress (you see a progress bar or the system is installing updates).
- You have not rebooted after the upgrade—some final configuration steps run on the first boot.
- You are experiencing issues with the new version and might want to re-run the Update Assistant to repair the installation.
- You are on a metered connection and might need the files again—deleting them means you will have to re-download the update if you need to reinstall it.
In these cases, wait until the system is stable and you are confident you don’t need the files.
Alternatives to Freeing Space
If you are short on disk space but are not ready to delete the Windows10Upgrade folder, consider these alternatives:
- Run Disk Cleanup and select other categories like Windows Update Cleanup or Recycle Bin.
- Use the Storage Sense feature (Settings > System > Storage) to automatically remove temporary files.
- Move personal files (videos, downloads) to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Uninstall unused applications via Settings > Apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting the Windows10Upgrade folder break my Windows installation?
No, if the upgrade has completed and you have rebooted, the folder is just leftover installation files. Deleting it will not affect your system’s functionality.
Can I delete the Windows10Upgrade folder before the upgrade finishes?
No, you should never delete it while the upgrade is in progress. Doing so can cause the installation to fail, leaving your system in an unstable state. Always wait for the upgrade to complete and reboot.
How do I know if the upgrade is complete?
Go to Settings > System > About and check the version number. If it matches the version you were upgrading to, the upgrade is complete. Also, you can check for the absence of the “Windows Update” progress screen.
Is the Windows10Upgrade folder the same as Windows.old?
No. The Windows10Upgrade folder contains the new installation files, while Windows.old contains your previous Windows installation for rollback. They are separate and serve different purposes.
Why does the folder reappear after I delete it?
If the Windows 10 Update Assistant is still running or you run it again, it will recreate the folder. Make sure the tool is closed and uninstall it if you no longer need it.
Can I move the Windows10Upgrade folder to another drive?
It is not recommended. The folder is tied to the upgrade process and moving it may cause issues. If you need to free space, it is safer to delete it after the upgrade is complete.
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