How to Clear the Windows Update Cache

To clear the Windows Update cache, stop the update services, delete the downloaded update files, and start the services again. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run net stop wuauserv and net stop bits. Then open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download in File Explorer and delete everything inside it. Finally, run net start wuauserv and net start bits, and check for updates again.

Clearing the cache often fixes updates that are stuck downloading, fail to install, or show the same error over and over. Here’s the full process, an easier Disk Cleanup option, and what to try next.

Method 1: Clear the update cache manually

1. Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Stop the update services by running these two commands:
   net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
3. Press Windows key + R, type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, and press Enter.
4. Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then press Delete. Click Continue if asked for permission, and skip any files that are in use.
5. Back in Command Prompt, restart the services:
   net start wuauserv
net start bits
6. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.

Windows re-downloads any updates it still needs, so the first check may take longer than usual.

Method 2: Use Disk Cleanup

1. Click Start, type Disk Cleanup, and open it. Choose drive C:.
2. Click Clean up system files and choose C: again.
3. Check Windows Update Cleanup and Temporary files.
4. Click OK, then Delete Files.

This removes old update files that are no longer needed. It’s safe, but it doesn’t clear a stuck download the way Method 1 does.

If updates still fail

• Run the troubleshooter: In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update. In Windows 10, it’s under Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Repair system files: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then sfc /scannow in an admin Command Prompt.
• Free up space: Updates need several gigabytes of free space on drive C.
• Install the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog using the KB number shown in Windows Update.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution Download folder’s contents?

Yes. It only holds temporary update downloads. Windows downloads them again if needed. Don’t delete other Windows folders.

Will clearing the cache remove installed updates?

No. Installed updates stay installed. You just can’t uninstall some older updates after running Windows Update Cleanup.

Why does “net stop wuauserv” say access denied?

Command Prompt isn’t running as administrator. Close it and reopen it with Run as administrator.

Does this work on Windows 10 and 11?

Yes. The steps are the same on both.

Kermit Matthews

Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He started on a university help desk, spent years as the IT person for small businesses, and has been writing tech guides full time since 2020. Each guide is checked on a device he owns, and re-checked when a menu moves. More about Kermit.