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This Itechguide teaches you how to delete backup files in Windows 10. The guide covers steps for 2 methods to delete backup files in Windows 10.

Option 1: Delete Backup Files with “File History” Backup

If you created backup with the new Windows 10 File History Backup, use the methods in this section to delete the backup files…

  • Right-click the Windows 10 Start menu and click Settings.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with File History Backup
  • On the Windows Settings screen, scroll down and click Update & Security.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with File History Backup
  • Then, on the left pane of the Windows Update screen, click Backup.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with File History Backup
  • When the Backup screen open, beneath Backup using File History, click More options.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with File History Backup
  • Then, on the Backup options screen, scroll down to Related settings and click See advanced settings. File History settings will open in a new window.
  • On the left pane of the Keep a history of your files screen, click Advanced settings.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with File History Backup
  • When the Advanced settings screen opens, on the bottom of the Versions section, click Clean up versions.
  • Finally, on the File History Cleanup pop-up, click the Delete files drop-down and select an option.
  • The quickest option to delete backup files on the File History Cleanup is to select the All but the latest one.
  • Finally, click Clean up – see the second image below.

Option 2: Delete Backup Files with Windows 7 Backup

If you created backups with Windows 7 backup and restore tool before you upgraded to Windows 10, use the steps below to delete the backup files…

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  • Follow the steps in the previous method until you get to Backup.
  • Then, beneath Looking for an older backup?, click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with Windows 7 Backup
  • On the Back up or restore your files screen, beneath Backup size, click Manage space.
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with Windows 7 Backup
  • When the Manage Windows Backup disk space screen open, beneath Data file backup, click View backups…
How to Delete Backup Files in Windows 10 with Windows 7 Backup
  • Then, click on a backup and click Delete.
  • On the Delete confirmation pop-up, select a delete option. Then, click Close twice.
  • You will be returned to Manage Windows Backup disk space screen. Beneath System image, click Change settings.
  • On the Select how Windows retains older system images, select Keep only the latest system image and minimize space used by backup option. Then, to save your changes, click OK.

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Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400) | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
  • Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
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  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.

You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.

Finally, for more Windows 10 Itechguides, visit our Windows How-To page.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400) | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400) | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
$129.99
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This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
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This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
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Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
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This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
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WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready - WDBU6Y0020BBK-WESN
  • High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
  • Plug-and-play expandability
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Also popular on Amazon
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
  • Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
Also popular on Amazon
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
  • Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
Also popular on Amazon
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
  • Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
  • The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 10, 2026 5:05 pm GMT.
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