Improving the functionality and performance of your Windows 11 PC can only be attained with continual update of your Windows OS. However, as you go through the update process, sometimes, problems arise and cause it to fail. Even so, a successful software upgrade can also store up temporary files or cache in your system storage drive.
Update cache data may be crucial during the installation process but may not be as necessary in the future. Storing these files can trigger potential issues when updating your Windows OS. Plus, these can only take up space, especially when these files are no longer needed. What you can do is to remove the update cache on your Windows 11 computer.
Ways to Clear your Device Update Cache Files and Data on Windows 11 Computer
If you want to delete the update cache data on your Windows 11 device, there are several options you can do. Let’s check them out together.
Method #1 – Performing a Disk Cleanup
- On your Windows 11 PC, search for Disk Cleanup.
- On Disk Cleanup, choose your installation drive.
- Click OK.
- Select Clean up system files.
- Look for Windows Update Cleanup and check the box.
- Look for Temporary Internet Files and check the box.
- You can also check other files that you want to delete.
- Click OK.
- Select Delete Files.
Method #2 – Deleting Cache Data via Software Distribution Folder
- First, launch the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc.
- Click OK.
- Navigate to the Services list.
- Double click Windows Update.
- Locate Service status and click Stop.
- Do not close the Services window.
- Launch the Run dialog box again.
- Type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
- Click OK.
- Select All items and right click on the selected items.
- Click the Trash icon or the Delete button.
- Now, empty your Recycle Bin.
- Go back to the Services window.
- Under Windows Update, click the Start button on the Service status.
Method #3 – Removing Update Cache through Command Prompt
- Launch the Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Click Yes in the User Account Control.
- Type the following command and press enter: net stop wuauserv
- Type the following command and press enter: net stop bits
- Next, type the following command and press enter: cd %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
- Followed by this command and an enter: del /f /s /q *.*
- Now, type the following command and press enter: net start wuauserv
- Type the following command and press enter: net start bits
Wrapping Up!
Any of the three methods above can help you successfully clear the update cache on Windows 11. After removing the cache, you can try installing the Windows update again.
