Can I delete the Windows folder?

Many PC users do not know howto reinstall the operating system, in connection with which they have a question, can I delete the Windows folder and thus delete the OS. Safely it can be deleted only if you have two operating systems on two different disks, otherwise the system will not let you erase the files on which it is built, as the folder has protection against accidental deletion or a virus attack.

In this article, we'll show you how to delete a folderWindows in safe mode, but strongly recommend not to risk, and to perform correct and full formatting (performed through the BIOS during system reinstallation) of the OS disk that you want to remove. Only in this case it will be possible to avoid conflicts and problems with the installation of a new system.

How to remove the Windows folder

If you still want to delete the OS folder, do the following:

1. Start the computer using the operating system installed on the other drive.
2. Login with an account that has Administrator rights.
3. Go to "My Computer" and look for the Windows folder.
4. Go to the "properties" of the folder and open the "Security" tab.
5. Click the "Advanced" button.
6. In the "Owner" tab, click the "Edit" button.
7. Select "Other users and groups."
8. In the window that opens, click the "Advanced" button, then click "Search".
9. In the list of search results, find "All" and press OK, and OK again.
10. In the "Additional Security Settings for Windows" window, change the owner to "All" and click "Apply".
11. You will be notified that you have become the owner of this object. Accept the agreements until the properties of the Windows folder appear before us.
12. Repeat all steps from 6 to 9.
13. Then go back to the "Permissions" menu for the Windows group, in the "Groups or Users" list, find "All", enable Full Control and click Apply.
14. Again, confirm the agreements for the proposed items until you reach the "Properties: Windows" tab.
15. Click "Advanced".
16. Permissions tab - All - Change permissions.
17. Select "All" and tick "Replace all permissions of the child object with permissions inherited from this object".
18. "Apply - Yes" and again agree with the requirements of the system.

After completing the last step, the system will allow you to delete the Windows folder.

You can also use the How to remove Windows.old article.