If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 11 updates, it may be time to clear your Windows Update cache. This cache stores temporary files that are used during the update process, and clearing it can help resolve update errors and improve the overall performance of your system. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clear the Windows Update cache in Windows 11.
What is the Windows Update Cache?
Before we dive into the steps for clearing the cache, it’s important to understand what the Windows Update cache is and why it’s important. The Windows Update cache is a temporary storage location for update files that are downloaded and installed on your computer. These files are used during the update process and are then deleted once the update is complete. However, sometimes these files can become corrupted or outdated, causing issues with future updates.
Steps for Clearing the Windows Update Cache
To clear the Windows Update cache in Windows 11, follow these steps:
Step 1: Stop the Windows Update Service
The first step is to stop the Windows Update service. To do this, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services window. Scroll down to find the “Windows Update” service, right-click on it, and select “Stop.”
Step 2: Delete the Windows Update Cache
Next, you’ll need to delete the contents of the Windows Update cache folder. To do this, navigate to the following location in File Explorer: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. Select all the files in this folder and press the Delete key on your keyboard. If prompted for permission, click “Yes.”
Step 3: Restart the Windows Update Service
After deleting the cache files, you’ll need to restart the Windows Update service. Go back to the Services window, right-click on the “Windows Update” service, and select “Start.”
Step 4: Copy Packages to the Windows Update Cache
Finally, you’ll need to copy the packages to the Windows Update cache. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command: “net start wuauserv.” This will start the Windows Update service and copy the packages to the cache.
Additional Tips for Clearing the Windows Update Cache
- If you’re unable to delete the files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, you may need to restart your computer in Safe Mode and try again.
- You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool to clear the Windows Update cache. Simply select “Windows Update Cleanup” from the list of files to delete.
- If you’re still experiencing issues with updates after clearing the cache, you may need to reset the Windows Update components. This can be done using the Command Prompt and running the “net stop bits” and “net stop wuauserv” commands.
By following these steps, you can easily clear the Windows Update cache in Windows 11 and improve the performance of your system. If you’re still experiencing issues with updates, it may be time to seek professional help or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
