How to Delete All Downloaded Windows Update Files

Downloaded Windows Update files can pile up and eat valuable space on your system drive. If you’re troubleshooting update issues, or just looking to free up storage, clearing these files can help. Here’s how to safely delete all downloaded Windows Update files from your Windows PC.

Why Delete Windows Update Files?

Windows stores update installation files in a folder called SoftwareDistribution. Over time, this folder can grow large, especially if updates have failed or been re-downloaded multiple times. Clearing it can:

• Free up disk space
• Fix stuck or failed updates
• Let you restart updates from scratch

Step-by-Step: Delete Windows Update Files

⚠️ Important: You need administrator privileges to perform these steps.

1. Stop the Windows Update Service

Before you can delete the files, you need to stop the service that uses them.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll down and find Windows Update.
• Right-click it and select Stop.

2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder Contents

Now that the service is stopped, you can safely remove the files.

• Open File Explorer and navigate to:
  C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
• Select all files in the folder and press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.

Do not delete the entire SoftwareDistribution folder — just the contents inside the Download subfolder.

3. Restart the Windows Update Service

Now turn the service back on.

• Go back to the Services window.
• Right-click Windows Update and select Start.

Bonus Tip: Use Disk Cleanup for More Cleanup

To remove even more system files (like old Windows updates and temporary files):

• Press Win + S and search for Disk Cleanup.
• Right-click and run it as administrator.
• Select your system drive (usually C:).
• Check Windows Update Cleanup and any other categories you want.
• Click OK to remove them.

Final Thoughts

Clearing downloaded update files is a safe and easy way to fix update issues and free up space. Just remember to stop the Windows Update service first. If you’re trying to fix persistent update errors, this step is often part of the solution.

Bookmark this post so you’ve got it handy the next time Windows updates get messy.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!