When you decide to install Windows on your PC, a series of folders and directories that are essential for the proper functioning of the operating system are automatically created. This process involves copying files, libraries and programs necessary for the performance of the computer.
In this context, it is crucial to understand that, to ensure that updates are carried out efficiently and without compromising data, the system generates temporary folders during the process.
They are files that act as a safeguard, guaranteeing that, in the event of an unforeseen failure, the user’s information remains intact. However, not all folders are automatically deleted after the update.
One of them is the folder $WINDOWS.~BT, which can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. This raises the question of what the real function of this folder is and if you can safely delete it.
$WINDOWS.~BT, the hidden Windows folder
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It should be noted that the $WINDOWS.~BT folder It is created automatically when Windows starts an update process to a new version of the system.
This stores important files that are needed to complete the installation of the new version, such as temporary installation data, as well as logs of previous Windows configuration.
Although it is automatically deleted after the update is successful, in some cases it may remain on your hard drive and take up space.
$WINDOWS.~BT acts as a kind of staging area where essential elements are stored before being fully integrated into the new version of the operating system.
After a while, it may become unnecessary and take up valuable space on your computer’s storage, so here we tell you how to delete this folder safely.
First of all, it is important to note that removing $WINDOWS.~BT is safe if you are happy with the current version of Windows and you don’t need to go back to the previous version. However, if you are still not sure whether you want to delete it, it is best to wait for Windows to do so automatically after 10 days.
With this in mind, follow these steps:
- Press the keys Win+R to open the dialog Execute.
- Writes cleanmgr and press Enter.
- Select the system drive and click Accept.
- Now click the button Clean system files.
- In Files to deletecheck the following options: Cleaning Windows Updates and Previous Windows Installations.
- Finally, click Accept and then choose Delete files to confirm the deletion.
One way to optimize the space and operation of your computer is delete the $WINDOWS.~BT folderwhich stores files from the previous version of Windows when you update the operating system.
However, this folder also allows you to restore the system to its previous state in case you encounter any problems with the update, so you should be careful and make sure you don’t need it before deleting it.
