How to Clear Windows Update Cache in Windows 10 and 11

Issue type: Windows Update — corrupted, stale, or oversized update download cache. Applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Short answer: To clear Windows Update cache, stop the Windows Update and BITS services, delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, then start the services again. This removes broken or partial update downloads and forces Windows to fetch a clean copy. It does not uninstall updates, delete personal files, or remove installed apps.

Clear Windows Update Cache: When This Fix Makes Sense

Use this fix when:

• Windows Update keeps downloading the same update again.
• An update fails repeatedly with a download or install error.
• The update is stuck at 0%, pending, or retrying.
• The SoftwareDistribution\Download folder is using too much disk space.
• You already ran the Windows Update troubleshooter and the problem returned.

If the update is currently sitting at “Pending install,” read Windows Update Pending Install first. If a specific error code appears, check the relevant error-code guide before deleting anything.

Fix 1: Clear the Cache with Command Prompt

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache while Windows is actively installing an update. Only do this from the desktop when Windows Update is idle, failed, paused, or stuck before installation.

1. Right-click Start.
2. Choose Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Stop Windows Update and BITS:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

4. Delete the cache contents:

del /f /s /q "%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download\*"

5. Start the services again:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

6. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.

Fix 2: Clear the Cache with File Explorer

This is easier to understand but you still must stop services first.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

3. Open File Explorer.
4. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
5. Select everything inside the folder and delete it.
6. Run net start wuauserv and net start bits afterward.

Do not delete the Download folder itself. Delete only the files and folders inside it.

What Clearing the Cache Does and Does Not Do

Clearing the cache removes downloaded update files that Windows can re-download later. It does not remove installed patches, does not roll Windows back, and does not erase your update history from Settings. Windows will recreate needed files when you check for updates again.

If you are clearing the cache because Windows Update is stuck at 0%, compare with Windows Update stuck at 0 percent. If the cache keeps corrupting repeatedly, the issue may be update components or disk health, not just the cache.

Fix 3: Use Disk Cleanup for Windows Update Cleanup

Cache clearing is not the same as Windows Update Cleanup. If you need disk space, use Storage settings too:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click Temporary files.
3. Select Windows Update Cleanup if available.
4. Select other safe temporary file groups.
5. Click Remove files.
6. Restart after cleanup finishes.

This can free more space than deleting the download cache alone.

Common Mistake

The common mistake is deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder while services are still running. That can create access errors and leave Windows Update confused. Stop services first, delete only the contents of the Download folder, then restart services.

Best Next Step

If clearing the cache does not help, move to a full Windows Update component reset. Microsoft describes update component reset steps here: How to reset Windows Update components — Microsoft Support. For errors that commonly involve corrupted update data, see Windows Update error 0x80070002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to clear Windows Update cache?

Yes, if Windows is not actively installing an update and you stop the update services first. The cache contains temporary download files, not your documents or installed programs.

Will clearing the cache uninstall updates?

No. Installed updates remain installed. Windows only removes temporary files that can be downloaded again.

Why does the cache come back after I delete it?

That is normal. Windows recreates the folder and downloads fresh update files the next time it checks for updates.

Should I clear the cache regularly?

No. Clear it only when troubleshooting. Clearing it too often just forces Windows to re-download files and wastes time.

What if some files refuse to delete?

One of the update services is still running. Stop wuauserv and bits again, then retry. If files still fail, restart Windows and repeat the process before checking for updates.