Remove Windows.old after using in-place upgrade method on Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview

After obtaining Windows Server 2012 R2 Preview, I thought of upgrading my lab environment. Upon completing Server 2012 R2 Preview upgrade, I noticed that there’s a Windows.old folder in my System drive which takes around 20GB of space.

now that I have already upgraded in to Server 2012 R2 Preview and confirmed that all my applications / file are available, I decided to delete Windows.old folder.

Best way to do this, is to use Disk Cleanup Tool.

Start –> Search for “Disk Cleanup” and run this program (If you cannot to locate this program you need to install Desktop Experience Features http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/15221.enabling-disk-cleanup-utility-in-windows-server-2012.aspx)

On driver selection, select your System Drive

Now you will notice that there’s “Previous Windows Installations & Windows Upgrade log files” options available on Disk Cleanup. you can select both of them and click “ok”

you will get a prompt to confirm whether you want to delete. Hit “ok” and proceed.

this will clear windows.old folder and free up disk space on your system drive.