How to Clear Windows Delivery Optimization Cache?

If you’re wondering whether you can delete the Delivery Optimization Cache without encountering problems, the short answer is yes. You can delete the Delivery Optimization Cache, especially if you’re running out of storage. Sometimes, the Delivery Optimization Cache can cause issues such as excessive disk space usage and even update failures.

Windows Delivery Optimization is a feature introduced in Windows 10 to help manage the downloading of Windows updates by storing parts of update files in the cache and sharing them with other devices on the same local network. This speeds up the process of updating and installing updates.

This is especially helpful in situations with multiple Windows devices, as it reduces the amount of data that needs to be downloaded to update Windows.

There are several ways to delete the Delivery Optimization Cache, but we will only use the relevant methods.

1. Use Disk Cleanup

One effective way to delete the Delivery Optimization Cache is to use the disk cleanup utility. It allows users to remove unnecessary files to free up space, such as temporary files, cache files, and the delivery optimization cache.

1. Press the Win key to open up the Start Menu and type Disk Cleanup in the Windows search bar.
2. Hit the Enter key to run the utility.
   
3. Make sure the system drive is selected. Then, click OK.
   
4. Under the Files to Delete section, tick all the options and click OK. Then, click Delete Files to confirm the action.
   
5. Once done, the Delivery Optimization Cache should be deleted.

2. Use PowerShell and Command Prompt

Another method that you can try is to use Windows PowerShell or the command prompt to delete the Delivery Optimization Cache. This is the shortest and easiest method to clear the Delivery Optimization Cache.

1. Click the Start Menu and type Windows PowerShell.
2. Right-click on PowerShell and select Run as Administrator.
   
3. Now, enter the following command to clear the Delivery Optimization Cache.

   Get-DeliveryOptimizationStatus | Clear-DeliveryOptimizationCache

   

4. Once done, the Delivery Optimization Cache should be deleted.
5. To clear the Delivery Optimization Cache using the Command Prompt:
6. Open the Start Menu and type Command Prompt.
7. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
8. Once the command prompt is opened as an administrator, run the following commands to clear the Delivery Optimization Cache.

   net stop dosvc
   rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore
   net start dosvc

   

9. Once done, the Delivery Optimization Cache should now be cleared.