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Windows Update cache (SoftwareDistribution)

System folderWindows 10, 11Safe to delete: Only with its own tool
Checked against official documentationLast reviewed 1 min read

Windows Update downloads update packages to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download before it installs them. After installation the downloaded files are no longer needed, and older component versions replaced by updates can also be cleaned up. Windows manages this folder itself; it can be cleaned with Disk Cleanup or reset when updates keep failing.

1What is stored there

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution contains the Download folder with update packages and the DataStore folder with the Windows Update database, which includes the update history shown in Settings.

Delivery Optimization, which shares update pieces between PCs, keeps its own cache. It is cleared with the 'Delivery Optimization Files' option in Disk Cleanup or in Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.

2Cleaning after updates

The 'Windows Update Cleanup' option in Disk Cleanup (shown after 'Clean up system files') removes old versions of updated components. The same work is done by Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup. After this, installed updates can no longer be uninstalled.

3Resetting the update cache

When updates fail repeatedly with the same error, Microsoft's troubleshooting steps include stopping the Windows Update and BITS services, renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder and starting the services again. Windows then creates a new, empty folder and downloads what it needs again.

How to reset the Windows Update cache

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Stop the services: net stop wuauserv and net stop bits
  3. Rename the folder: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  4. Start the services again: net start bits and net start wuauserv
  5. Open Settings > Windows Update and select 'Check for updates'.
  6. When updates work again, delete SoftwareDistribution.old.

Cautions

  • Do not delete or rename the folder while updates are downloading or installing.
  • After a reset, the update history list in Settings may be empty; installed updates stay installed.
  • After component cleanup, installed updates cannot be uninstalled.

Sources

  1. Troubleshoot problems updating Windows (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com
  2. Clean up the WinSxS folder (Microsoft Learn) learn.microsoft.com

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