In order to provide consumers greater control, Windows Update is now almost totally automatic and instead makes use of active hours, configurable restarts, and manual pauses. However, there are outdated files that do not get deleted and occupy unnecessary space is something of concern. Fortunately, Windows makes it simple to remove outdated update files. Read on to discover how.
Also Read: How to Fix the Windows Update Troubleshooter Stuck on “Resolving Problems”
Different Methods On How To Delete Old Windows Update Files
There are numerous methods available for removing your Windows updates files. Using the Disk Cleanup software will be our first step. So let’s get going.
Method 1: Use The Disk Cleanup
Step 1: Type Control Panel into the Start menu and hit Enter to launch it.
Step 2: Click on Windows Tools.
Step 3: Click on Disk Cleanup twice.
Step 4: Choose the Clean up system files option.
Step 5: Click on the checkbox next to Windows Update Cleanup.
Step 6: You can also check the option next to Previous Windows installations. By doing this, Windows.old will be removed.
Step 7: Select OK.
Step 8: Wait for Windows to finish the removal process.
You might also want to delete other Windows files and directories to free up even more space after deleting the outdated update files as described above. You can safely remove some of the other unwanted files and folders such as unused language resource files, upgrade log files, and temporary files.
Also Read: 9 Ways To Fix Windows Update Fails To Install Windows 11/10
Method 2. Use The Settings App
The Settings app can help erase your previous Windows updates files. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I keys.
Step 2: After that, choose the Storage option under the System tab.
Step 3: Next, select Temporary files.
Step 4: Click Remove Files after selecting the Windows Update Cleanup and Delivery Optimisation Files radio button.
Step 5: To continue with the removal process, click Continue. Wait for the process to complete before you shut down your computer.
Also Read: How To Stop Windows Updates on Windows 11?
Method 3. Using The Folder For Software Distribution
All of your downloaded updates are saved in the SoftwareDistribution folder. In extremely unusual circumstances, you might also need to delete the SoftwareDistribution directories if you want to clean your computer of outdated updates. Here is how to get going:
Step 1: Enter “services” into the Start menu search bar, then choose the best match.
Step 2: Locate Windows Update Service from the Services window, right-click on it, and then choose Stop.
Step 3: Press Win + R to open the RUN box and type the following and hit the Enter key.
"C: Windows SoftwareDistribution"
Step 4: The SoftwareDistribution folder will now open on your screen. After that, select all files by hitting Ctrl + A, and then press the Delete button on your keyboard.
Step 5: Make sure you restart the Windows Update Service. Simply use the aforementioned procedure in steps 1 and 2, you can open the Windows Update Service box and choose Start this time.
Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Standalone Installer Error (0x80096002)
Bonus: Use Advanced PC Cleanup To Recover Lost Storage Space
A fantastic program called Advanced PC Cleanup finds all the unneeded files in your system as well as any files that can appear to be a threat to your computer. These possible dangers could be a result of malicious software that is attempting to enter your system. Advanced PC Cleanup works on your computer to do other things besides clear up space. Here is a glimpse of its features:
- Clean Junks & Temporary Files.
- Complete Uninstallation of Apps without leaving residual files.
- Clears old and redundant downloads.
- Removes apps from Startup to increase PC boot time.
- Protect PC from Malware threats.
- Delete Identity traces.
- Fixes Registry Keys.
Also Read: How To Free Up Disk Space With Advanced PC Cleanup?
The Final Word On How To Delete Old Windows Update Files
It’s simple to remove the outdated Windows update files. We hope that one of the three approaches described above convinced you of that. The removal of outdated update files is just one method for cleaning up Windows. You can also clean up your PC and regain the lost storage space by using Advanced PC Cleanup.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or recommendations. We would be delighted to provide you with a resolution. We frequently publish advice, tricks, and solutions to common tech-related problems. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Flipboard, and Pinterest.