Restore points in Windows serve as a valuable safety net, allowing users to revert their system back to a previous state in case of any unforeseen issues or errors. However, as time goes on, these restore points can accumulate and consume a significant amount of precious disk space. Deleting old restore points not only helps in managing disk space but also ensures that your system operates smoothly.
In this article, we will talk about three different methods that will guide you through the process of deleting old restore points in Windows 11. By following these methods, you can confidently declutter your system and create a more efficient computing environment.
Ways to Delete Old Restore Points in Windows 11
Let’s explore each method in detail and reclaim valuable disk space on your Windows 11 system. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Delete the Restore Point using System Protection settings
In this method, we will use the System Protection settings in Windows 11 to delete old restore points. By accessing the System Properties window and configuring the protection settings, we can delete all restore points except for the most recent one.
This method provides a user-friendly interface for managing restore points. Follow these steps to delete using System Protection settings:
1. Open the Start Menu and search for System Restore. From the search results, click and launch Create a restore point settings.
2. In the System Properties window, switch to the System Protection tab.
3. Then under the Protection Settings section, select the drive where the restore points are stored (usually the C: drive).
4. Click on the Configure button.
5. In the new window, click on the Delete button to remove all the restore points except for the most recent one.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Continue when prompted.
7. After that, click on the Apply and then OK button to save the changes.
2. Delete Restore Point using Command Prompt
If you are someone who prefers a command-line approach, the Command Prompt method offers a quick and efficient way to delete old restore points. By running a specific command in an elevated Command Prompt window, you can remove all shadow copies, including the restore points, from the system.
Here are the steps to delete the restore point using the Command prompt:
1. Press the Windows key + X to launch the Quick Access menu.
2. Then click on the Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) from the list to open the command prompt.
3. Type the following command and hit the Enter key to get a list of all of the available restore points.
vssadmin list shadows
4. To delete a specific restore point, type the following command, replacing {shadow copy ID} with the ID of the restore point you want to delete:
vssadmin delete shadows /Shadow={shadow copy ID}
5. To delete all restore points, type the following command and hit Enter. When asked for confirmation type Y and hit the Enter key to continue.
vssadmin delete shadows /all
3. Delete the Restore Point using Disk Cleanup
In this method, we will use Disk Cleanup to delete old restore points. Disk Cleanup is a built-in utility in Windows 11 that allows users to free up disk space by removing unnecessary files. Also, using Disk Cleanup you can delete the temporary files from your Windows operating system.
Follow these steps to delete the restore point using Disk Cleanup:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
2. Type cleanmgr and press the Enter key to launch the Disk Cleanup menu.
3. If you get a window to select the drive then select the C: Drive. After that, click on the Clean up system files button.
4. Now under the More Options menu locate System Restore and Shadow Copies and click on the Clean up button.
5. A pop-up menu will appear asking for confirmation. Click on Delete and all your restore points except the most recent one will be deleted.
Conclusion
It is important to periodically delete old restore points in Windows 11 to free up disk space and maintain optimal system performance. Deleting old restore points not only helps in managing storage but also ensures that your system operates smoothly.
By following the methods mentioned in this article, you can easily remove unnecessary restore points. So, take the time to clean up your restore points and enjoy a clutter-free Windows 11 experience.