Can I delete Windows updates’ installation files? If so, how?

Yes, you can safely delete Windows Update installation files to free up disk space. These files are stored on your system after Windows updates are downloaded and installed. Here’s how to delete them:

Method 1: Using Disk Cleanup

Windows has a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that you can use to remove Windows Update installation files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Disk Cleanup:
   • Press Windows + S and type Disk Cleanup, then select the app.
2. Select Drive:
   • Choose the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) and click OK.
3. Clean Up System Files:
   • In the Disk Cleanup window, click Clean up system files (you may be prompted for administrator approval).
   • The tool will rescan for system files you can clean.
4. Select Windows Update Cleanup:
   • Scroll down the list and check the box for Windows Update Cleanup.
   • Optionally, you can also select Delivery Optimization Files and other items you no longer need (such as Temporary Files, Downloaded Program Files, or Recycle Bin contents).
5. Start Cleanup:
   • Click OK, then Delete Files to start the cleanup process.
   • This will delete old Windows Update files, freeing up disk space.

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Method 2: Manually Delete Windows Update Files

You can also manually delete Windows Update files from the SoftwareDistribution folder.

1. Stop Windows Update Service:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Windows + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal).
   • Type the following command to stop the Windows Update service:arduinoCopy codenet stop wuauserv
   • Press Enter.
2. Delete the Update Files:
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
   • Select all files and folders within the Download folder and delete them.
   • You can press Ctrl + A to select all, then press Delete.
3. Restart Windows Update Service:
   • After deleting the files, restart the Windows Update service with the following command:sqlCopy codenet start wuauserv
   • Press Enter.

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Method 3: Using Storage Sense (Windows 10/11)

Windows 10 and 11 offer Storage Sense, which automatically manages disk space, including cleaning up old Windows Update files.

1. Open Storage Settings:
   • Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense:
   • Toggle Storage Sense on. This feature will automatically clean up temporary files, including Windows Update files, when disk space is low.
3. Configure Storage Sense:
   • Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
   • Under Temporary Files, check Delete Windows Update Cleanup and other options as needed.
   • Set the frequency for automatic cleanup.

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Important Considerations:

• Deleting Update Files Will Not Remove Installed Updates: The update files you delete are only temporary installation files. The actual updates applied to your system will remain intact.
• Reclaiming Space: Deleting Windows Update files can free up several gigabytes of disk space, especially after major updates like feature updates.
• Backup Important Data: Before performing any large-scale file deletions, it’s always a good practice to back up important data in case something goes wrong.

By following these methods, you can safely delete Windows Update installation files and free up valuable disk space on your system.