After major Windows updates, many users stumble upon a mysterious, space-hogging folder: $Windows.~BT. This hidden directory stores rollback data to safeguard your system—but at the cost of 20GB+ disk space. You're stuck choosing between reclaiming space or preserving recovery options. Manual deletion is risky, but smart cleanup is possible. Here’s how to safely remove it—and upgrade your office suite while you’re at it.
Part 1: What Is the $Windows.~BT Folder? Key Facts & Risks
Purpose:
The $Windows.~BT folder is a temporary system directory automatically created by Windows during major upgrades—for example, when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Its primary purpose is to store backup and rollback files, allowing your system to revert to the previous version if the new installation encounters issues. It acts as a safety net during the transition phase of a Windows upgrade, giving users a buffer period to test the stability of their updated system.
This folder can contain setup logs, previous OS data, drivers, and even the full Windows installer—all of which are crucial for recovery but unnecessary once you’re confident the update is successful.
Location:
The $Windows.~BT folder resides in the root directory of your system drive, typically:
C:\$Windows.~BT
It's a hidden and protected folder, meaning you won’t see it unless you enable hidden items in File Explorer. Because of its system-level function, it is also write-protected, which prevents unauthorized or accidental changes.
Risks of Keeping or Deleting It:
Consumes Large Storage (20–25GB):
It can take up a significant chunk of space—especially on smaller SSDs or laptops with limited storage—potentially impacting performance and file management.Manual Deletion Risks:
Deleting this folder through File Explorer can trigger access errors or permission issues, and worse, if deleted improperly, it may result in missing system components or hinder your ability to recover from a failed update.Persistence Beyond 10 Days:
Microsoft typically automatically deletes this folder 10 days after a major update. However, some users report that it lingers due to update anomalies or system policy settings, continuing to occupy precious space without purpose.
Bottom Line:
Only delete $Windows.~BT if:
It has been more than 10 days since your last upgrade,
Your system is running smoothly with no rollback needed,
And you use the official Disk Cleanup tool.
If you're uncertain about the stability of your new Windows build, it's best to keep the folder intact temporarily. Think of it as a recovery parachute—useless once you’ve safely landed, but critical if something goes wrong midair.
Part 2: Can You Delete $Windows.~BT? Safe Practices
When You Can Delete It:
You’re past the 10-day rollback window.
Your system runs stable and you need space.
Safe Methods:
Disk Cleanup (Recommended)Press Start, search “Disk Cleanup”
Select system drive > Check “Previous Windows installation(s)”
Click OK → Delete Files
Avoid Manual Deletion
Risks admin permission errors
May corrupt active system files
Part 3: How to Free Up Space – Delete $Windows.~BT in 3 Easy Steps
If your system feels sluggish or you're running low on storage, deleting the $Windows.~BT folder can free up 20GB or more space. However, to avoid breaking your system, it's important to use Windows' built-in cleanup tools rather than manually deleting the folder. Here’s how to do it safely:
Step 1: Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator
This ensures you have the required permissions to remove system-level files.
Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
In the Disk Cleanup window that appears, select your system drive, usually C:\.
Wait for the utility to scan for files.
Once the list appears, check the box labeled "Previous Windows installation(s)" and "Temporary Windows installation files" if listed.
This tells Disk Cleanup to target old update files, including $Windows.~BT.
Step 2: Confirm the Cleanup Action
Once you've selected the appropriate file categories:
Click OK to proceed.
When prompted, click "Delete Files" to confirm.
Windows may take several minutes to complete this action, depending on your system and disk speed.
This method avoids the risks associated with file permission errors or accidental deletion of important system components.
Step 3: Verify the Folder is Gone
To confirm that the cleanup worked:
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to your root directory: C:\
Look for the $Windows.~BT folder.
If it's no longer visible and hidden items are enabled (via View > Show > Hidden items), the cleanup was successful. You’ve now reclaimed valuable disk space without compromising system stability.
Part 4: Office Software After Cleanup – Why WPS Office Fits Better
Microsoft Office: Bloated, Pricey & Increasingly Restrictive
After freeing up space by removing the $Windows.~BT folder, many users realize their system performance is still affected by other heavyweight software—Microsoft Office being a top culprit. Once a staple of productivity, Microsoft’s suite has grown both in size and cost over the years, leaving budget-conscious or performance-focused users searching for alternatives.
Here’s what makes Microsoft Office increasingly problematic:
Expensive Subscription Model:
Microsoft 365 Home plans now cost $70 to $100 per year depending on the tier. While it promises cloud syncing and continuous updates, the recurring fees add up—especially for students, freelancers, and small businesses.Heavy on System Resources:
The full Microsoft Office installation consumes over 4GB of disk space and runs multiple background services. This can slow down systems with limited RAM or older hardware, counteracting the benefits of recent cleanup efforts.Limited Cloud Storage with Lock-in:
Microsoft offers only 5GB of free OneDrive storage, pushing users toward paid storage upgrades. Additionally, many Office features are tightly integrated with cloud services, making offline work less seamless.Licensing & Admin Hassles:
Managing activations, updates, and account licenses across multiple devices can be confusing—especially for non-technical users or in shared home setups.
WPS Office: Lightweight, Free & AI-Enhanced for Modern Workflows
If you've reclaimed disk space and want software that’s both lightweight and full-featured, WPS Office is an excellent solution that offers performance, flexibility, and affordability without sacrificing capability.
Here’s why WPS Office outshines Microsoft Office for most users:
Free Tier with Full Functionality:
WPS offers a completely free version with no essential features locked behind a paywall. There are no intrusive ads, and the UI feels familiar to Office users—making the switch painless.Built-in AI Features:
The suite includes AI-powered tools to boost productivity:PDF-to-Word conversion for fast editing
AI Writing Assistant to improve clarity and grammar
Smart Templates for resumes, reports, invoices, and more
These tools reduce the need for third-party services or plugins.Format Compatibility Without Bloat:
WPS supports.docx,. Xlsx, PPTX, and other formats natively ensure seamless collaboration with Office users. Whether you're writing documents, calculating data, or designing presentations, compatibility is never an issue.Ultra-Light Installation (~300MB):
Unlike Microsoft’s resource-heavy package, WPS installs under 300MB, making it ideal for older PCs, laptops with limited SSD space, or low-spec Windows tablets.Perfect Windows Integration:
WPS runs efficiently on Windows 10 and 11 systems without the need for admin rights or constant background syncing. This aligns well with the cleaner system you’ve just achieved by deleting $Windows.~BT.Cloud and Offline Flexibility:
While cloud sync is available, WPS doesn't force it. You can work offline with full functionality and save documents locally great for users who prefer more control over their files.
Now that your system is lighter and free of update clutter, continuing that momentum with WPS Office can make everyday computing feel faster and smoother. You get modern AI features, Office compatibility, and zero bloat—all while saving money. It’s a smart fit for anyone upgrading their workflow without upgrading their budget.
FAQs
Q1: What is the $Windows.~BT folder, and why is it created?
It’s a backup folder for Windows upgrade files—critical for rolling back if an update fails.
Q2: Is it safe to delete $Windows.~BT?
Yes, but only after 10 days or once you confirm your PC is running fine. Use Disk Cleanup instead of deleting it manually.
Q3: How do I safely remove the folder?
Use Disk Cleanup with Admin rights → Select system drive → Check “Previous Windows installations” → Delete.
Q4: What office software should I use after cleanup?
WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, AI-enhanced alternative to MS Office—ideal if your system is under pressure post-update.
Summary
The $Windows.~BT folder is a necessary yet temporary artifact of Windows upgrade safety. While it serves a vital purpose in rollback scenarios, it also hogs significant storage space. Deleting it isn’t just possible, it’s smart, but only if done right. Using Disk Cleanup ensures your system remains stable while reclaiming valuable gigabytes.
Once you’ve optimized your PC, consider upgrading your productivity tools too. WPS Office emerges as the perfect Microsoft Office replacement—lightweight, AI-powered, and completely free. Whether you're working with documents, spreadsheets, or presentations, WPS Office delivers enterprise-grade performance without the recurring fees.
