How to Delete Old Windows 10 File History Backup? Here’re 4 Ways!

File History continuously protects personal files stored in the Library, Desktop, Favorites, and Contacts folders.

It preserves every change to your personal files.

However, your backups will get bigger and bigger until your disk is full.

Where to find File History in Windows 11?

Is it still in Windows parameters?

How does it Work?

What are the differences between Win10 and Win11 File History?

You may want to delete old Windows 10 File History backup to release space.

The following part introduces 4 ways for you.

How to Delete Old Windows 10 File History Backup?

Step 2: ClickSmall iconsnext toView by.

Then, chooseFile Historyfrom the list.

Step 3: ChooseAdvanced Settingsin the left panel.

Step 4: Go toVersions > Keep saved versionsand smack the drop-down menu to chooseUntil space is needed.

Then, clickSave changes.

How to set up Windows 10/11 File History backup options in Windows parameters?

How about in Control Panel?

Is there an alternative to File History options?

Step 4: Go toVersions > Keep saved versions.

SelectClean up versionsunder it.

Step 5: SelectAll but the latest oneorolder than 1 year(default).

Step 6: Then, clickClean upto delete File History Windows 10 backup.

What to do when your system is stuck on the Cleaning up.

Do Not Turn off your machine screen?

This post provides solutions for Windows 7/10.

FhManagew.exe deletes file versions older than the specified age from the currently assigned file history target unit.

Step 1: Typecmdin theSearchbox and chooseRun as administratorto open Command Prompt.

Step 2: bang out theFhManagew.exe -cleanup (time)command and pressEnter.

The number is the period of the backup you want to delete.

Then, your old File History backups for the period you specified will be deleted.

Step 1: OpenSettingsby pressing theWindows + Ikeys together.

Step 2: Go toUpdate & Security>Backup, then you will seeBack up using File History.

Step 3: Turn off theAutomatically back up my filesbutton.

If it showsOff, the File History is disabled.

Step 4: Go to the backup drive and delete the File History folder.

Usually, its named as FileBackup.

If the solution has crapped out, try the following solutions.

Step 1: Go toFile Explorer>View>Options>Change folder and search options.

Then, clickApplyandOKto confirm.

Step 3: Locate theC:\Users\Old_Usernamefolder andC:\Users\New_Usernamefolder.

The C: is the drive with Windows installed on it.

Step 4: Copy files in the older user profile and paste them into new user profiles.

hey dont copy the following 3 files.

Thus, you should clean up and repair the hard drive.

Step 2: In the pop-up window, the system drive is selected by default.

you should probably clickOKto continue.

Step 5: Right-poke the C drive in File Explorer to chooseProperties.

Then, clickToolsand theCheckbutton to check your drive for file system errors.

Step 1: Go toControl Panel>System and Security>File History.

Then, clickTurn offif it says File History is on.

Step 2: Go to%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistoryinFile Explorer.

Step 3: Delete all files and folders.

Step 4: Go to File History in the Control Panel again and clickTurn on.

Step 5: ClickAdvanced settingsin the left menu, and set a longer backup frequency and shorter backup retention.

Step 6: Now, you should probably clickDelete Filesto confirm.

you’ve got the option to run Windows System File Checker (SFC) to fix the issue.

Step 1: Typecmdin thesearchbox.

Right-click Command Prompt and chooseRun as administrator.

Step 2: When you get intoCommand Prompt, inputsfc /scannowand pressEnter.

Step 3: Then Windows will scan for system file issues.

you oughta wait until the process is 100% completed.

Now exit Command Prompt and restart the computer.

Under Programs, clickUninstall a program.

Step 2: ClickView installed updatesto uninstall an update.

Step 3: Then find the recent update and delete it.

This post shows how to fix this error.

If you want more flexible backup features, its recommended to try a piece ofprofessional backup software MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Now, lets see how to back up files without occupying much disk space in MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 2: Go to theBackuptab, and click theSOURCEpart.

ClickFolders and Filesto choose the files you want to backup.

Step 3: Click theDESTINATIONpart and choose a location to store your backup.

Step 4: Click theOptionsbutton on the lower right corner of the main interface.

There are some file backup prefs for you.

Under theBackup optionstab, clickCompression.

There are three options:

Step 5: ClickOK.

Then, you might clickBack Up Nowto perform the backup task immediately.

If you want to delete the backup files to get more space.

Go to Manage and find your backup task.

nudge the three-dot menu next to your task and chooseDelete.

When you receive theAre you sure you want to delete this task?message, check theDelete backup filesbox.

If you come across the same issue, try these solutions.

To back up files without occupying much space, it is recommended you use MiniTool ShadowMaker.