What Is the $WINDOWS.~BT Folder?
Windows Upgrade Folders: $WINDOWS.~BT and $WINDOWS.~WS
The folders named $WINDOWS.~BT and $WINDOWS.~WS are intrinsically linked to the process of upgrading to Windows 10. These directories can be found on systems running Windows 7, Windows 8, or even Windows 10 itself.
They are known to consume a significant amount of disk space, often measured in gigabytes. This can be a concern for users with limited storage capacity.
Understanding the Folders' Purpose
The $WINDOWS.~BT folder typically contains the temporary files used during the Windows 10 upgrade preparation stage. It holds the installation files needed for the upgrade process.
Conversely, the $WINDOWS.~WS folder is utilized to store files related to the Windows Setup process. It acts as a workspace for the upgrade operation.
Visibility and Access
By default, these folders are hidden from view within Windows Explorer or File Explorer. To view them, you must first configure your system to display hidden files and folders.
This can be achieved through the Folder Options settings, allowing users to inspect the contents of these directories. Accessing these folders doesn't typically require administrative privileges for viewing.
Managing Disk Space
If you've completed a Windows 10 upgrade, it's generally safe to delete these folders to reclaim disk space. However, ensure the upgrade was successful before doing so.
Deleting these folders while an upgrade is in progress could lead to instability or prevent the upgrade from completing. It's recommended to use Disk Cleanup to remove them safely.
Summary
The $WINDOWS.~BT and $WINDOWS.~WS folders are integral components of the Windows 10 upgrade process. Understanding their function and how to manage them can help maintain optimal system performance and disk space utilization.
Windows 7 and 8: Understanding the $WINDOWS.~BT Folder
Windows 7 and Windows 8 systems once utilized a specific folder for upgrade preparations. This folder is known as $WINDOWS.~BT.
The Role of $WINDOWS.~BT During the Free Upgrade
During the period when free upgrades to Windows 10 were available, the operating system automatically downloaded the necessary installation files. These files were then saved within the $WINDOWS.~BT directory.
This pre-downloading process enabled a faster upgrade experience. Upon accepting the free upgrade offer, the installation could commence promptly, leveraging the already downloaded files.
Current Status of the Folder
The official timeframe for free upgrades to Windows 10 has since concluded. Consequently, the files contained within the $WINDOWS.~BT folder are no longer functional for upgrading purposes.
Although Microsoft is expected to eventually remove these files from remaining Windows 7 and Windows 8 installations, they may still occupy disk space on some systems.
It's important to note that the presence of this folder does not indicate an ongoing upgrade process. It simply represents remnants from the previous upgrade offer.
Related: Learn how to Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows.
Understanding the $WINDOWS.~BT Folder in Windows 10
$WINDOWS.~BT is a folder found on Windows 10 systems that holds data from a prior Windows installation. This data is specifically utilized for reverting to an earlier Windows version or a previous build of Windows 10 itself.
Functionally, it shares similarities with the Windows.old folder, which also stores files from a preceding Windows installation. Following a Windows 10 upgrade, both the Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories may be present on your system.
Purpose and Contents
Beyond the core installation files, the $WINDOWS.~BT folder also houses various log files. For instance, running the Media Creation Tool generates a $WINDOWS.~BT folder populated with setup-related logs.
The Media Creation Tool also creates a separate folder, $WINDOWS.~WS, which primarily contains the bulk of the Windows setup files needed for the installation process.
Automatic Deletion
Windows is designed to automatically remove these temporary files to reclaim disk space. This deletion typically occurs after ten days on systems running the Anniversary Update.
However, if your PC has not yet been upgraded to the Anniversary Update, the files will remain for a longer period – up to thirty days – before automatic removal.
Removing the $WINDOWS.~BT Folder: A Comprehensive Guide
Related: Determining the Safety of Deleting All Files Within Windows' Disk Cleanup Utility.
Important Notice: Deleting the $WINDOWS.~BT folder in Windows 10 will permanently prevent you from reverting to a prior Windows 10 build or a previously installed version of Windows. The rollback option, typically found under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, will no longer be available. However, the system is designed to automatically remove these files after a period of ten days.
While file removal is possible, standard deletion methods are not recommended. Utilizing the Disk Cleanup tool integrated within your Windows version is the preferred approach.
To initiate the process, launch the Disk Cleanup tool and select "Clean Up System Files". Subsequently, ensure the following items are checked for removal:
- Prior Windows Installations: This option targets and removes both the $WINDOWS.~BT and Windows.old folders in Windows 10.
- Temporary Windows Installation Files: This removes the $WINDOWS.~BT folder in Windows 7 and 8, and the $WINDOWS.~WS folder in Windows 10.
Confirm the deletion by clicking "OK".
Should the $WINDOWS.~BT folder persist after this process, it likely contains residual log files or outdated setup files, particularly in Windows 7 or 8. Manual deletion via File Explorer can then be attempted. Simply right-click the folder and choose "Delete".
It's crucial to understand the implications before proceeding with deletion. The $WINDOWS.~BT folder serves as a recovery point, and its removal eliminates the possibility of easily returning to a previous system state.
Understanding the Folder's Purpose
The $WINDOWS.~BT folder is created during a major Windows 10 feature update. It holds the files necessary to roll back to the previous version of Windows if the update encounters issues or if you simply prefer the older version.
This temporary storage allows for a seamless transition back to a stable system configuration. However, its size can be substantial, consuming valuable disk space.
Alternative Considerations
Before deleting the folder, consider whether you anticipate needing to revert to the previous Windows version. If you are confident in the stability of the current update, removing the folder is a viable option to free up disk space.
Regularly utilizing Disk Cleanup is a proactive measure for maintaining system performance and managing storage capacity.