When utilizing an in-place upgrade to install the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) on Windows 11, the system makes a backup of the prior configuration in case a serious problem arises. Even after installation, though, the files remain in the “Windows. old” folder, consuming 20GB or more, which may be a big deal for devices with low storage.
Using the Settings app and Disk Cleanup, Windows 11 offers several methods to recover the majority of the lost storage if your computer’s storage is low after installing the 2024 Update. In this guide, I will explore How to reclaim space after upgrading to Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2)
How to use Settings to free up space after installing the Windows 11 2024 Update:
After installing the latest version of Windows 11, follow these steps to free up space:
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select “Storage.”
- On the right-hand side, click the Temporary Files page.
- Remove every pre-selected item, if any.
- The “Previous Windows installation(s)” option should be checked.
- Press the “Delete files” button.
- You will have more room for more crucial files after you finish the steps.
- To prevent erasing downloaded files from the “Downloads” folder (if applicable), clear the Downloads option.
- Press the OK button.
- The procedure will remove the old installation files once you finish the steps, freeing up space on the installation drive.
During the first ten days following the upgrade, you can choose to remove the backup files from a prior installation. The system will automatically remove files after that time.
Additionally, you won’t be able to use the recovery settings to go back to the previous installation after you’ve deleted the files. If you have the installation media, you can still perform a clean installation to reinstall version 23H2.
Use external storage to free up more space
Using an external storage device, such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive, can temporarily free up more space.
What you’ll need is as follows:
1- Depending on how much extra space you require, an external storage device with 10GB or more of free space is ideal.
2- An internet connection.
Here’s the method:
- Choose Start > Settings > Security & Update.
- Choose Fix issues from the Windows update page. By doing this, you can use an external storage device to update your computer using the Windows update tool.
- Make sure you back up any important files before updating using an external storage device.
- Choose your external storage device from the drop-down menu after connecting it.
- Click Next and adhere to the
- You can remove your external storage device safely after the installation is finished.
- If you don’t have enough free space on your internal drive, you may still be asked to free up more space even after choosing external storage.
- Choose “I don’t want to use external storage” if you’re against using external storage.