How to Clear the Update Cache on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Clearing the Windows update cache can help fix installation issues, boost system performance, and free up disk space. Below is a detailed guide on how to clear the update cache on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Why is it Important to Clear the Update Cache?

Over time, temporary files and data build up in the cache, potentially causing errors during update installations or slowing down your system. Clearing the cache can help resolve these issues and keep your computer running smoothly.

Step 1: Stop the Windows Update Service

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
  3. In the list, find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.

This temporarily stops all updates, ensuring the cache can be cleared without interference.

Step 2: Delete Files from the SoftwareDistribution Folder

  1. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
  2. Open the Download folder and delete all files and folders within.
  3. You can also delete the contents of the DataStore folder to fully clear the update cache.

Deleting these files will free up space and help prevent issues caused by incomplete or faulty updates.

Step 3: Restart the Windows Update Service

  1. Open services.msc again (as described in Step 1).
  2. Find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Start.

This will enable your system to receive updates again, creating a new, clean cache with correct data.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

To complete the process, it’s recommended to restart your computer. This ensures all changes take effect. After rebooting, the update cache will be cleared, improving system stability.

Additional Tips

If you still encounter issues with updates, you can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool automatically detects and fixes most update-related problems.