Windows Update Delete Cache

6 min read Oct 11, 2024

How to Delete Windows Update Cache: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows Update is a crucial component of your operating system, keeping it secure and up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes. However, sometimes the update process can run into problems, leaving you with a frustrating error message. One common culprit for these issues is a corrupted or overloaded Windows Update cache.

Deleting the Windows Update cache can often resolve these problems, clearing out old or corrupted files that might be interfering with the update process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Why Delete the Windows Update Cache?

Before we dive into the deletion process, let's understand why deleting the Windows Update cache can be helpful:

Corrupted files: Sometimes files in the cache become corrupted, preventing successful updates.
Space limitations: The cache can grow significantly, especially after numerous updates, potentially consuming valuable disk space.
Troubleshooting errors: If you encounter update errors, deleting the cache can resolve conflicts or inconsistencies.

How to Delete the Windows Update Cache

Here's a breakdown of the steps for deleting the Windows Update cache:

Close Windows Update: Ensure that any running Windows Update processes are stopped. This can be done by:
- Opening the Windows Settings app (press Windows key + I).
- Navigating to Update & Security -> Windows Update.
- Clicking Check for updates.
- Wait for the process to complete or cancel if it's already running.
Open Command Prompt (Admin): Type "cmd" in the Windows search bar, right-click on the Command Prompt result, and select "Run as administrator."
Delete the Cache Files: In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Restart Windows Update Services: Type the following commands in the Command Prompt window and press Enter after each:
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.
Re-Run Windows Update: Once your computer restarts, open Windows Update again and check for updates. The process should now proceed smoothly.

Additional Tips

Using Disk Cleanup: Windows includes a built-in Disk Cleanup tool that can help free up space and potentially clear out some Windows Update cache files.
Running System File Checker: The System File Checker (SFC) tool can scan and repair corrupted system files that might be hindering update processes.
Manually Deleting Cache Files: You can manually delete the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders located in the %systemroot% directory. However, be cautious as deleting the wrong files can damage your system.

Alternative Methods

Resetting Windows Update Components: There are more advanced methods involving resetting Windows Update components using PowerShell scripts. This can be helpful for resolving more complex issues.
Using Third-Party Tools: Some third-party tools are available that claim to clean up Windows Update files. However, use these with caution, as they may not always be reliable or safe.

Conclusion

Deleting the Windows Update cache can be an effective way to resolve various update errors, but it's crucial to follow the steps carefully to avoid system problems. If the issue persists, consider exploring other troubleshooting methods, including resetting Windows Update components or running System File Checker. Remember, keeping your Windows Update cache clean and up-to-date can contribute to a smoother and more reliable update experience.