I've found plenty of posts talking about whether you can or cannot or should or should not delete or modify the contents of the /windows/winsxs folder. However I have a new installation of windows on a new drive and I'm unable to delete these files from the old drive. I get 'Access is denied'.
How could I go about deleting these, or any other, files on the old drive?
Please note that I do not wish to reformat the drive at this time. I'd like to only remove certain data to free up space.
Take Ownership
Right click on winsxs folder, Properties -> Security tab -> Advanced -> Owner tab -> Edit -> select your username, check 'Replace owner on subcontainers and objects' -> OK
Add Permissions
Right click on winsxs folder, Properties -> Security tab -> Edit -> select or add your user name -> check Full Control under Permissions -> OK
Propagate Permissions
Right click on winsxs folder, Properties -> Security tab -> Advanced -> Change Permissions -> check 'Include inheritable...' and 'Replace all child...' checkboxes -> OK
The folder is under your control now, so you can delete it and its content.
