How to Clean Windows Update Cache?

Windows Update is a critical tool for keeping your computer secure and running smoothly. It delivers new features, performance tweaks, and vital security fixes. But sometimes, updates get stuck, fail to install, or slow down your system. Often, the culprit is a cluttered or corrupted Windows Update cache—a stash of temporary files that help speed up updates. Clearing this cache can resolve many common issues, and I’ll show you exactly how to do it safely.

Why Clear the Windows Update Cache?

The cache stores temporary update files to avoid re-downloading them every time. But if these files pile up or get damaged, they can block new updates from installing. Clearing the cache is like giving Windows Update a “fresh start” without affecting your already installed updates.

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services

Before deleting cached files, we need to halt background services. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
2. Copy and paste these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   net stop bits 
   net stop wuauserv 
   net stop appidsvc 
   net stop cryptsvc

Don’t worry—these services are only paused temporarily. They’ll restart automatically when you reboot your PC.

Step 2: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder holds the cached update files. Deleting it forces Windows to rebuild the cache from scratch.

1. Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

   

2. Select all files and folders inside (press Ctrl + A), then hit Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.
3. Return to your admin Command Prompt and restart the services using the net start commands from Step 1, or:
   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
   • Right-click Windows Update and select Start.

Final Step: Restart Your Computer

Reboot your PC to ensure all changes take effect. Once it restarts, try checking for updates again—you should be all set!