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What is $Windows.~WS folder in Windows 10/11
3 min. read
Updated onJanuary 25, 2024
updated onJanuary 25, 2024
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Just likeall previous Windows iterations, Windows 10 has some unique features and unique folders. One of those is the$Windows~WS folder,which stores upgrade-related files.
Today, we’ll try to explain what this folder stands for, why it is important, and why you can or can’t delete it without a second thought. You can find everything you need regarding this folder just below.
What’s$Windows~WS folder and can you safely delete it?
What’s the Windows~WS folder?
$Windows~WS is a hidden folder in which you can find essential files of the previous system version. Basically, it stores the most important data and provides you with backup in case you want todowngrade your systemback to Windows 7 or Windows 8.
Thus, this folder is only visible to users that upgraded to Windows 10 on Windows 7 or 8 foundation, rather than performing the clean installation.
It can be found in the system partition, once you enable the Hidden items. You can do so by checking the Hidden items box under the View section.
Even though ‘WS’ stands for Windows Setup, it stores mostly configuration files and not the setup files. Still, if you’re rethinking switching back to Windows 7 or 8 respectively, it’s quite important to keep this file and not delete it.
Another similar folder is $Windows~BT, which, on the other hand, stores major updates and installation files, so it’s also worth keeping.
Can I delete $Windows.~WS?
On the other hand, these folders combined can take dozens of gigabytes of storage space. And if you’re satisfied with what Windows 10 offers, you can delete their content immediately. You can do it manually — by deleting the folder, or with the bit of help of the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Details about Disk Cleanup can be found inthis article, so make sure to check it out.
Follow the instructions below to clean them and free some storage space on your system partition:
After that, you can navigate toC:$Windows~WSand delete its content completely. And, don’t worry, you can delete this folder without consequences.
This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and a few users reported2 Windows folders on the C drive, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.
That should do it. If you have related questions regarding this or other folders, post them in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you.
More about the topics:windows 10
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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