Deleting unnecessary Windows update files is the most effective way to resolve installation failures and reclaim disk space occupied by corrupted or redundant download caches. By clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, you force the system to fetch fresh, uncorrupted files from Microsoft servers, which often resolves persistent "0x80073712" or similar error codes during updates. This process targets the local cache rather than installed features, ensuring your current system state remains intact while fixing the underlying mechanism that handles patch delivery.
Why Update Files Become Corrupted
Windows Update stores downloaded packages in a specific directory before applying them. If a download is interrupted, if the hard drive has bad sectors, or if antivirus software locks the file temporarily, the cached version becomes invalid. When the system attempts to reinstall these broken files, it encounters checksum mismatches or access violations. Clearing this cache forces the Update service to start over with a clean slate, downloading only the necessary components again. This is particularly useful when you see errors indicating that required files are missing or cannot be read.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Update Cache
To safely remove these files, you must stop the services that are actively using them. Attempting to delete files while the Windows Update service is running will result in "Access Denied" errors. Follow these steps precisely to ensure a successful cleanup.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press
Win + X and select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)". Running with elevated privileges is mandatory for stopping system services.
- Stop the Windows Update Service: Type the following command and press Enter:
net stop wuauserv. You should see a message confirming the service was stopped successfully.
- Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service: Type
net stop bits and press Enter. This service manages the actual download process and must also be halted.
- Navigate to the Update Folder: Open File Explorer and go to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. If you do not see the "SoftwareDistribution" folder, ensure that hidden items are visible in the View tab of File Explorer.
- Delete the Contents: Select all files and folders inside
Download and DataStore subfolders and delete them. Do not delete the SoftwareDistribution folder itself, only its contents. If prompted for permission, click Continue.
- Restart the Services: Return to the Command Prompt and type
net start wuauserv followed by net start bits. Confirm both services started successfully.
- Check for Updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates". The system will now re-download all pending patches.
Verifying the Fix
After restarting the services, monitor the update process. If the issue was caused by a single corrupted file, the new download should complete without error. If you encounter repeated failures, consider checking the event logs for more specific details about why the installation is failing. For deeper troubleshooting, reviewing the history of previously installed updates can help identify if a recent change triggered the instability. See our guide on
Viewing Windows Update History and Installed Updates for Troubleshooting Restart Issues to analyze past events.
Alternative Cleanup Methods
If manual deletion does not resolve the issue, use the built-in Disk Cleanup utility. This tool is safer for general users as it automatically identifies temporary files and old Windows installations. Open Start, search for "Disk Cleanup", select your system drive, and check "Windows Update Cleanup". This method removes older versions of updated files that are no longer needed after a successful install. It is less aggressive than deleting the entire cache but often sufficient for freeing up gigabytes of space.
For users experiencing persistent download stalls, forcing the update service to restart can sometimes bypass network-related glitches. This approach resets the connection pool used by the BITS service. Refer to
Stuck on Windows Update: Forcing Start in Windows 10 for advanced techniques to reset the update agent completely.
Risks and Precautions
Deleting these files does not remove any installed updates or applications. It only clears the temporary storage used for downloads. However, if you have a large number of pending updates, the initial check after cleaning may take longer than usual as the system verifies each file. Ensure your computer is plugged in during this process to prevent interruption. Avoid using third-party "cleaner" tools that claim to optimize Windows Update, as they often interfere with the integrity of the update database. Stick to the native methods described above for reliable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting SoftwareDistribution remove my installed programs?
No, this action only affects temporary files used for downloading and staging updates. Your installed applications, user data, and operating system features remain completely untouched. The folder contains only cached packages waiting to be applied or verified.
How much disk space can I recover?
The amount varies based on how many updates you have skipped or failed. Typically, you can free between 500MB and several gigabytes, especially if you have accumulated many failed download attempts over months. Large cumulative caches from major feature updates can occupy significant space.
What if the update fails again after cleaning?
If the error persists, the issue may lie with the update catalog itself or your system files. You should run the System File Checker (
sfc /scannow) to repair corrupted OS components. Additionally, check for driver conflicts that might block the installation process.
Can I automate this process?
You can create a batch script containing the net stop/start commands and file deletion logic to run periodically. However, manual execution is recommended initially to ensure no active processes are blocked. Automating it requires careful handling of permissions and service states.
Does this fix blue screen errors related to updates?
It can help if the blue screen was caused by a corrupted update file being applied incorrectly. By forcing a fresh download, you eliminate the possibility of a bad package causing the crash. If the BSOD continues, you may need to uninstall the problematic update via recovery mode instead.