Last Updated on December 26, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

The Windows 10 is the new thing. With cool feature and productivity options, it surpasses all the previous version. What’s even better is that Microsoft announced that the update will be there for free to the earlier Windows 7 and 8 consumers. They will get the notification when the update arrives and with just a click, they can enjoy the Windows 10 experience. That way, users don’t have to rush to buy a new copy of the update.

This was partly because they want to get back into the game and partly because of the new ‘Free Windows but paid storage thing”. Anyways, we are getting a new Windows for free, just a click away and we should be thankful. But there are many people who aren’t.

Most of the people out there, who use the system for their work and work only, get annoyed about this whole thing. Probably because the system files of Windows 10 already come built-in when you buy a Windows 7 or 8. They take up four to six gigabyts of storage and that’s a lot! Considering that you don’t want a new update in the first place. You can really use it for storing some useful and important stuff in your storage.

So, they just wanna get rid of those files so they can empty that bit of space and put it to some use. But the question is, how?

Well, let me tell you.

Deleting the files is as easy as it gets. But first you need to find here the files are. Microsoft don’t want you to know that. So they have kept them hidden, of course. Literally.

Deleting the Windows 10 installation folder

  • If you are a Windows 7 user, in the Start Menu type ‘Folder Options” and open it.
  • If you are using the Windows 8, in the Search box, type “Folder options” and select it.
  • Once in the Folder Options window, click on the “View” tab
  • In the Advanced Settings menu, scroll down and select “Show hidden files, folders and drives.”
  • Click “OK” for the changes to take place.

Now, just go the system drive C and click on Windows 10. You’ll see the $WINDOWS.~BT folder. That’s what’s causing the trouble. Delete it and then empty the Recycle Bin to permanently get it out of your system.

Whenever you will connect the PC with an internet connection, it will offer the update again. And then again, the folder will surface again and you’ll be annoyed once again.

So, to completely perish the problem from its roots, you can even remove the Windows update offer. In the Control Panel, open ‘Windows Update’ and select “Installed Updates” in the bottom left. Type KB3035583 in the Search box on the top right. Once you see it, click/tab the uninstall tab to completely remove it. Restart your device and you’ll be good to go.