[Usage Guide] How to Clear Windows Update Cache

What Is Windows Update Cache?

The Windows Update Cache is a folder in the Windows operating system that contains the files necessary to update the system. When Windows downloads updates from Microsoft’s servers, it stores them in this cache to make future updates faster and more efficient.

Where Is the Windows Update Cache Location?

The Windows Update Cache folder is in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download directory on a Windows computer. The Windows operating system uses this folder to store updates downloaded from the Microsoft servers to install them on the computer when needed quickly.

What Are the Advantages of Deleting the Cache Files of Windows Updates?

Keeping the cache files for a long time can interfere with your regular Windows services. However, there are some advantages to deleting the cache files of Windows updates, including:

1. The cache files can take up significant space on your system, and deleting them can help free up disk space.

2. Deleting the cache files can potentially improve system speed and performance.

3. Over time, cache files can corrupt, affecting your system. Deleting them can reduce the risk of corruption.

Before deleting the Windows Update Cache folder or files, it is important to take a few steps to prepare your computer. These include:

1. Closing all background applications running on your computer.

2. Disconnecting any remote connections.

3. Creating a backup file in case of emergencies.

Different Methods to Clear Windows Update Cache

While checking for updates, the system automatically stores all the Windows Update installation files in a cache for future use. However, this cache folder may contain bugged updates or corrupt files, creating problems during the process and causing various errors. In such situations, it is advisable to clear the Windows Update cache.

Several methods are available to clear the Windows update cache, and we will discuss them in this post. Below are the different methods to clear the Windows update cache.

Windows Update Cache Clear Using Disk Cleanup

The following steps outline the primary method to clear the Windows cache using disk clean-up:

1. Open the Start menu, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.

2. The Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection window opens. Select the drive you want to clean up.

3. Click on OK. The disk cleanup for the selected drive opens.

4. Click on Clean up System Files.

5. The next window will show the drive you want to clean up. Select the hard drive (default is C:) from where you want to clear the Windows Update Cache.

6. Select Windows upgrade log files and Temporary Windows Installation files, then click OK.

Windows Update Cache Clear Using Run

1. Press the Win + R key to open the Run dialogue box.

2. Type services.msc and click OK to open Services.

3. Right-click Windows Update Services and select Stop.

4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder.

5. Press Ctrl + A to highlight every file, and click the Delete icon to delete Windows update cache files.

6. Press the Windows + R key, type services.msc, and press Enter.

7. Find and right-click on the Windows Update service, then click Start.

Clear Windows Update Cache via Command Prompt

1. Open the Command prompt and run as an administrator.

2. In the command prompt window, type the following command and press enter:

net stop wuauserv

3. Next, type the following commands and press Enter after each line:

C:

cd %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution

del /f /s /q Download

These commands will delete the cache files on your PC.

How to Reset Windows Update Cache

1. Run the Command prompt and run as an administrator.

2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each line:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

3. Next, run the following commands and press Enter after each line:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Lastly, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

5. Exit the command prompt and restart your PC.

Clear Windows Update Cache via Script

1. Open Notepad and paste the codes below:

@Echo On net stop wuauserv C: cd %Windir%\SoftwareDistribution Type del /f /s /q Download pause

2. Save the file as Cleardown.cmd.

3. To run the cleardown icon as an administrator, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.

4. The User Account Control window will open and ask for permission. Click Yes to continue.

Clearing Windows Update Cache: A Simple and Effective Solution for Update Problems

Clearing the Windows Update cache is a valuable troubleshooting technique to resolve update-related issues. Whether you prefer Disk Cleanup, Run, Command Prompt, or Scripts, this guide has provided various methods to efficiently clear the Windows Update cache. Removing temporary files and resetting the cache can ensure smoother and more reliable Windows updates. Take advantage of these steps to maintain the health and performance of your Windows system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Windows Update Cache