To clear the Windows Update cache, stop the Windows Update service, delete the contents of C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution, then start the service again. Microsoft lists this as a troubleshooting step for Windows 10 and Windows 11; it may help when cached update files are corrupt, but it is not a guaranteed fix.
What SoftwareDistribution cleanup does
Windows stores update-related files in C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. Microsoft Support explains that “Corrupt update files in the cache can cause errors.” Clearing the directory’s contents can therefore be a useful first troubleshooting step when Windows Update fails. It does not establish that every update error comes from this cache or that clearing it will resolve every problem. Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance covers this procedure for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Delete the files and folders inside SoftwareDistribution, not the parent folder itself. Stop Windows Update before deleting the contents, then start it again afterward.
Clear the SoftwareDistribution contents using Services
- Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In the Services window, find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution. If Windows is installed on a different drive, use that drive letter instead ofC:. - Select and delete all files and folders inside
SoftwareDistribution. Leave theSoftwareDistributionfolder in place. - Return to Services, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
- Try Windows Update again and check whether the original issue has changed.
Basic cleanup or advanced reset?
Microsoft documents a more extensive reset for users who are comfortable with command-line troubleshooting. The advanced approach requires administrator permission, stops both Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Update, renames two update-related directories, restarts both services, and includes a PC restart. It is an escalation from the basic cache clear, not a required first step.
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| Approach | Tools and permissions | What it changes | Restart included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic cache clear | Services and File Explorer; Microsoft’s basic instructions do not specify administrator Command Prompt use | Stops and starts Windows Update; deletes the contents of SoftwareDistribution | No |
| Advanced component reset | Command Prompt opened as administrator; intended for users comfortable with command-line work | Stops and starts BITS and Windows Update; renames SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 | Yes |
The comparison describes the documented steps, not measured success rates. Microsoft does not provide a success-rate comparison for these methods in the cited guidance.
Run Microsoft’s advanced reset
Use this only if the basic cleanup is insufficient and you are comfortable with an administrator Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt as administrator, then enter these commands one at a time, waiting for each to finish before entering the next:
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net stop bitsnet stop wuauservren %systemroot%softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bakren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.baknet start bitsnet start wuauserv
When the commands finish, close Command Prompt and restart the computer. These are Microsoft’s documented advanced reset steps; see Microsoft’s instructions for manually resetting Windows Update components. The instructions do not establish a fixed time for renamed folders to be recreated or guarantee a fix for a particular error code.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Delivery Optimization uses a different cache
Do not confuse the Delivery Optimization cache with SoftwareDistribution. Microsoft says Windows clears the Delivery Optimization cache automatically. To clear it manually, use Disk Cleanup and select Delivery Optimization Files. That separate procedure is for the Delivery Optimization cache, not a substitute for the Windows Update cache cleanup described above. See Microsoft’s Delivery Optimization guidance.
Quick Recap
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