Deleting Windows 10 update cache helps recover lost disk space. Since Windows 10 receives frequent updates, accumulating small patches can occupy space on the C drive. This is particularly crucial for SSD users, as SSD performance is partly affected by available storage capacity.
Clearing the Windows 10 update cache is necessary because when we download Windows 10 updates, the update files remain on the system after completing their task. These unnecessary files should be deleted to free up memory space.
How to Clear Windows 10 Update Cache
To clear the Windows 10 update cache, you need to disable the Windows 10 update system. If updates are in progress, let them complete before clearing the cache to avoid system errors and unexpected issues.
Step 1: Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, then type services.msc and press OK
Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows Update, then click Stop to halt this service, temporarily suspending all Windows Update processes.
Step 3: Now, let's proceed to clear the Windows 10 update cache by opening the Run dialog again. Type the address C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\ and press OK.
Step 4: Here, navigate to the Download folder.
And of course, delete all files within this Download folder.
Step 5: Then, close it and open Command Prompt by typing Window update to access the Windows Update section of your machine.
Step 6: In the Windows Update section, choose Advanced options.
Step 7: Here, set everything to 0 and then adjust to Semi-Annual Channel.
Step 8: Turn off that option and reopen the Run dialog, then enter C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DeliveryOptimization.
Similarly, delete all files within this directory.
Step 9: Once you've successfully cleared the Windows 10 update cache, navigate back to Services to re-enable Windows Update.
So there you have it, we've completed the process of clearing the Windows 10 update cache. Deleting unnecessary files is also a way to speed up your computer. To keep our devices running smoothly and efficiently, clearing the Windows 10 update cache is indeed a solution for speeding up your computer, safely freeing up space. It's advisable to do this monthly.