How to delete all Windows Update files downloaded

Windows leaves temporary files behind when it installs new versions. The space taken up by these files can cause problems with the Windows Updates installation. Remove old Windows Update files More disk space is available.

This operation can also be used to troubleshoot problems Windows Update installation issues. Remove old Windows Update files Windows 11 and Windows 10 computer systems.

Can I Delete Windows Update Files with Safety?

You won’t be able to cause damage to any of your hardware or software by deleting old Windows Updates files. You can’t delete personal files. This is a secure process.

There may be an issue with your ability to do so You can reverse and restore Windows versions that were previously installed You can also save them to your computer. Windows Update files should be deleted only when they are no longer needed:

• The storage area is very limited.
• Windows Updates are not installed on your computer.

How do I delete Windows Update Files that are older than one year?

Windows Updates files are available in multiple methods. There are built-in programs like Disk Cleanup, Command Prompt and others that can help you accomplish this task. Temporary Windows Updates files can be manually located and deleted.

Below, we outline four steps to eliminate Window Update files. The steps you take will depend on the operating system of your computer.

Windows Update Files can be deleted from Windows Settings

Windows 11 computers and Windows 10 computers both have an “Windows Update Cleanup” tool located in the Settings menu. You can use this tool to remove old Windows Update files by following the steps.

1. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Storage Choose and Temporary files.

2. Select the Windows Update Cleanup and Delivery Optimization Files checkboxes. After that, choose the Remove files Click the button at the top right of the page.

Windows Updates is associated with “Delivery Optimization files”. These files enable your computer to share Windows Updates information from devices in your network with other computers.

Windows will delete Delivery Optimization files automatically after a brief period. However, you can remove them manually from your computer. Microsoft suggests that you delete the files in order to free up space on your hard disk.

3. Select Continue Click the confirm button to remove the Windows Update Files.

Note: For Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Storage > This PC > Temporary files > Previous version of Windows, Remove files.

Disk Cleanup can be used to delete Windows Updates files

Disk Cleanup, a Windows app that frees up space on your hard drive, is included in Windows. You can use it to delete different file types that are occupying your storage space. Disk Cleanup is available Temporary apps files can be deleted, Clear your computer’s recycle bin, delete redundant files from the internet, and so on.

You can use Disk Cleanup by following the instructions below:

1. Press the Start button, disk cleanup Use the search box to select Run as administrator Below Disk Cleanup.

Alternativ, you can also open Windows Run (press ) Windows key + R(Type or Paste cleanmgr.exe Select the option you want to use in the dialogue box OK.

2. Select the Windows Update Cleanup and Delivery Optimization Files You can checkboxes or select OK.

If the Windows Update Cleanup doesn’t appear, it’s likely that you haven’t opened Disk Cleanup with administrative rights. Tap the Clean up system files Click the button below to access all Disk Cleanup functions.

In a matter of seconds, the Windows Update Cleanup option will appear in Disk Cleanup.

3. Select Delete Files To proceed, click on the popup.

Windows Update files manually deleted

You must first stop using the device Windows UpdateThe background service detects and downloads Windows-related updates, then installs them.

1. Open the Windows Start Menu, services Use the search box to select Run as administrator Please see the below Services app.

2. Right-click on Windows Update Check out the complete list and then select Stop.

3. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E), paste C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download In the Navigation Pane and press Enter.

The SoftwareDistribution folder will be opened. This is where Windows stores temporary installations files to allow you to upgrade your computer’s operating systems. Windows Update can also be repaired by moving the files or deleting them.

4. Press Ctrl + A To select all folders Select the folders by right-clicking the selection Trash iconOr press the Delete key on your keyboard.

If you do not want them to be deleted, the files can be moved to another storage device. Final step: Restart Windows Update.

5. Reopen the Windows Services app (see step #1), right-click Windows Update, Start.

Windows will automatically download any new Windows Updates available to your computer. Windows Update temporary files can often be large. You can empty this folder after each Windows Update install if your computer is running out of storage.

Use the Command Prompt to Delete Windows Updates files

To delete Windows Update cache files stored in the Software Distribution folder of your computer’s PC, use Command Prompt.

1. Type command prompt or cmd Use the Windows Search Bar to select Run as administrator.

2. Use type or paste net stop wuauserv Press the button and go to terminal Enter Click on the keyboard.

This command directs Windows not to run the Windows Update services. You can continue to the next stage when Command Prompt displays “The WIndows Updater service was stopped successfully” message.

3. The next step is to type or paste cd %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution Press the button and go to terminal Enter. . This will open the Software Distribution directory.

4. Types of paste del /f /s /q Download Use the press Enter.

Command Prompt deletes the content of the Download folder in the assigned directory (i.e., SoftwareDistribution). This process can take several minutes depending on how large the Windows Update files are. When you receive a successful message, continue to the next section.

5. Use type or paste net start wuauserv Enter the following code to start Windows Update.

You’re spoilt for choice

Windows’ greatest feature is the fact that you can execute any action from multiple ways. These four steps will delete all Windows Update files that have been downloaded. It is recommended that your computer be rebooted after you have deleted the files.