Over time, backup files on your Windows 11 PC can take up a significant amount of storage space. Removing old or unnecessary backup files can help free up space and improve system performance. This guide will show you how to safely delete backup files in Windows 11 step by step.

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Step 1: Identify Backup Files

Windows 11 can store backups in several locations:

1. File History backups – Usually stored on an external drive or secondary partition.

2. Windows Backup (System Image backups) – Often stored on a dedicated drive or network location.

3. OneDrive backups – Stored in the cloud.

4. Temporary Windows backup files – Stored in system folders like Windows.old.

Before deleting anything, ensure that you don’t need the backup.

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Step 2: Delete File History Backups

File History automatically backs up files in Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options.

3. Click More options under File History.

4. Scroll down and click See advanced settings → Clean up versions.

5. Select the time period for old backups (e.g., “Older than 1 month”) and click Clean up.

This deletes old File History backups without affecting recent versions.

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Step 3: Delete System Image Backups

System images are large files used to restore your PC if it fails.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel (Win + R, type control, press Enter).

2. Go to System and Security → File History → System Image Backup.

3. Click Manage space.

4. Under Data file backup, select Delete to remove old backups.

⚠️ Note: Only delete backups if you’re sure you won’t need a full system restore.

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Step 4: Remove Temporary Windows Backup Files

When upgrading Windows or after major updates, the system stores temporary files in Windows.old.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open the tool.

2. Select your system drive (usually C:).

3. Click Clean up system files.

4. Check Previous Windows installation(s) and Temporary Windows installation files.

5. Click OK → Delete Files.

This can free several gigabytes of space.

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Step 5: Delete OneDrive Backups

If you use OneDrive:

1. Open OneDrive.

2. Navigate to the Backups folder.

3. Right-click unnecessary files or folders and select Delete.

4. Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently free space.

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Step 6: Verify Storage Space

After deleting backups:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.

2. Review Storage usage to ensure space has been freed.

3. You can also use Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary and backup files periodically.

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Final Thoughts

Deleting backup files in Windows 11 helps free up storage, but it’s important to be careful. Only remove backups you are sure you no longer need. By following these steps, you can safely delete old backups, temporary files, and system images while keeping your PC organized and efficient.