Delete softwaredistribution folder windows 10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After all, Windows updates come with fixes for bugs and security patches. In general, it is not necessary to empty the SoftwareDistribution folder. For example, you may find yourself struggling to update your operating system. In this kind of scenario, the update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder are likely incomplete or corrupt.

When you discover that Windows Update has started to malfunction, then it is vital for you to clean this folder. Of course, you can open the folder and clear out its contents manually. However, if Windows Update keeps on showing you an error message, then the best course of action is to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder entirely. However, everything changes when you learn that there are synchronization issues with Windows Update or when the files in the folder have been corrupted.

Do not worry because it is completely safe to get rid of the SoftwareDistribution folder. That said, you should still take some precautions before deleting this folder. You must ensure that the root cause of the errors on your PC is Windows Update. So, when the update files are ready, your operating system will recreate the folder. Whenever you decide to make changes to your system, it is essential that you create a restore point.

This way, if anything goes wrong, you can always bring back your OS to a working state. So, follow the steps below:. Let your system create a restore point. It may take a couple of minutes for the process to complete. SoftwareDistribution folder should be left alone but there comes a time when you may need to clear the contents of this folder. In most of the cases, when Windows Update stops working properly on your device and you are getting an error message, you need to flush out this folder to solve the problem.

Moreover, if you find that this folder is accumulating a large chunk of data taking more space of the drive, you can manually clear out the folder to free up some space on your drive. However, if you face Windows Update issues such as Windows Update not working , Windows Updates fails , Windows Update stuck while downloading the latest updates , etc.

It is completely safe to delete this folder. However, you need to first make sure that you are experiencing a problem with your Windows Update.

Next time when Windows Update files are ready, Windows will automatically create this folder and download the update files from the scratch. Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.

Now you need to navigate to SoftwareDistribution folder in C drive to delete all its components:. If you are not able to delete all files because some files are in use, you just need to restart your device. Upon rebooting, you need to again run the above commands again and follow the steps. Now, again try to delete all the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder. Once you have deleted the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to type the following command to activate the services related to Windows Update:.

Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop. Delete all the files and folders under SoftwareDistribution folder. Again right-click on Windows Update service then select Start. Now to try to download the Windows updates and this time it will without any issues. After the process is complete, Windows will reconfigure the folder and begin downloading the necessary files. Windows updates will now work as expected, without any issues.

If you have followed the steps correctly, your updates should work correctly. Save my name, email and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Leave this field empty. Crypto Mining Motherboards. Skip to content. Guides Team Contact Privacy Policy.

 
 

 

Delete softwaredistribution folder windows 10.How to clear the ‘SoftwareDistribution’ folder on Windows 10 and make updates happen again

 
The most recent updates will be displayed in the list. You will receive a verification email shortly. Topics Windows 10 Help. Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop. When the update is complete, the downloaded file remains on my PC after it has been run. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.