Can I Delete Windows Softwaredistribution Download Folder

SoftwareDistribution Folder Delete in Windows

When deep cleaning Windows to recover disk infinite, performing a SoftwareDistribution folder cleanup is one task that may assist. This article explains how Windows uses the SoftwareDistribution folder and covers cleaning the folder to aid complimentary upwards disk space. This applies to current versions of Microsoft Windows, i.e. from Windows seven to Windows x. In summary it involves stopping the Windows Update service, deleting the SoftwareDistribution\Download binder, and restarting the Windows Update service.

What is the SoftwareDistribution Folder in Windows?

A laptop or Personal Computer (PC) running Windows regularly performs a Windows Update. The updates improve security, fix bugs and add or modify functionality. The Windows update files download to a temporary binder on the PC. Once the files accept finished downloading in the background, the update can be applied to the PC. The temporary binder is called Download under SoftwareDistribution in the Windows directory, i.e. C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download (unless Windows has been installed to a different bulldoze or directory). If trying to view this folder in Windows Explorer you may need to give permission and be logged in as an Administrator, likewise as turning on Hidden items in the View menu (or via Organise and Folder and search options in Windows 7).

Show Windows Hidden Items

Clean Up The SoftwareDistribution Folder in Windows to Costless Up Disk Space

When the organisation drive runs low on disk space some gratuitous space may be reclaimed by deleting this Windows Update temporary downloads folder. Therefore, a total SoftwareDistribution folder delete is not done, only the Download folder in that directory. The SoftwareDistribution\Download folder delete may prepare bug that stop the Disk Clean-up utility from finishing. (The Deejay Clean-up utility tin can have quite a while to finish, and if still not finished later on a few hours it may be stuck due to Windows Update conflicts.)

Utilize Any Remaining Windows Updates

If the SoftwareDistribution\Download folder delete is performed earlier Windows Update has installed existing download files, then those files will download again. To stop this from happening ensure Windows Update has completed. Open Windows Update. In Windows select Settings (the gear icon) then Windows Update, or enter Update in the search box and select Check for updates. In Windows vii select Windows Update from All Programs via the Outset push button (or Start and so Control Panel so Arrangement and Security).

Select Check for updates to ensure that no updates are available. Install whatsoever Windows updates and so that "Your device is up to date". (If low on disk space updates may fail to apply, attempt emptying the Recycle Bin, clearing browser caches or running the Disk Clean-upwards utility.)

Temporarily End the Windows Update Service

With all Windows updates applied stop the Windows Update service to safely remove the \Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder. Run Task Director (printing the Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys all at one time and select Task Managing director or search for Task Managing director and select information technology). Click the Services tab. Sort the list by name (click the Name column). Browse to the wuauserv entry and bank check the Status column. If it says Running stop the wuauserv service. To finish the service select Open Services at the bottom of Task Manager (or the Services button in Windows 7 Task Manager).

In Services click on the name column to sort the service alphabetically. Locate Windows Update. Select Stop the Service from the left manus column above description (or double-click on Windows Update to open the properties and click the Stop button, and then click OK to close the properties).

Rename the \Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download Binder

Using Windows Explorer rename the Download Binder in \Windows\SoftwareDistribution. E.g. bring up the context bill of fare and select Rename phone call information technology something like Download-former. Windows will create a new Download folder when information technology needs it. The new Download folder will be empty until new Windows updates are available and are loaded.

On Windows 7 Restart the Windows Update Service

Windows will start the Windows Update service when information technology needs it. In Windows seven select Start Service in Services or double-click on Windows Update and select the Start push button, click OK to close the backdrop.

Delete the Renamed Folder

In Windows Explorer delete the renamed Download binder. For example if information technology was renamed Download-onetime then delete Download-old. Permission may demand to be given to do this, if so click Go along on the message box that appears:

Windows SoftwareDistribution Download folder delete

The Windows Update temporary Download folder, under the SoftwareDistribution folder, delete procedure has been completed.

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Archived Comments

Drew Meady on March 11, 2017 at 9:34 am said:

This was a very well worded, easy to follow and extremely helpful article. I'g glad I came beyond it, my problem was solved! Thanks!

Author:Daniel S. Fowler Published: 2013-xi-06 Updated: 2017-12-30