Reference number: CH000849

What are the $NtUninstallKBxxxxxxx$ folders in Windows?

Question:

What are the $NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$ folders in Windows?

Answer:

Folders such as $NtUninstallKB42773$, $NtUninstallKB873339$, $NtUninstallQ329048$, etc. are folders that contain the files necessary to uninstall a Microsoft Windows updates that has been installed on your computer. These folders are hidden in the "Windows" or "Winnt" folder depending on your version of Windows, therefore will only be shown if you're displaying hidden files on your computer. Additional information about displaying hidden files on your computer can be found on document CH000516.

If you're running out of disk space on your computer these folders are safe to delete. However, for safety precautions we suggestion only deleting the folders that are at least a few months or few years old. In some rare situations it may be necessary to uninstall more recent patches.

To locate and delete these files follow the below steps.

1. Open My Computer.
2. Within My Computer Open the C: drive.
3. Open the Windows or Winnt folder.
4. Within this folder the first folders listed should be $NTUninstall folders if you're computer has hidden files shown. If you're wanting to delete the files select all folders that begin with $NTUninstall that are older than a month and press the delete key on the keyboard. Additional information about how to select multiple files or folders can be found on document CH000771.

Additional information:

• Additional information about updating your Microsoft Windows computer can be found on document CH000545.
• Additional information about regaining hard disk drive space can be found on document CH000528.