How to Safely Clear the Windows Update Cache to Fix Update Issues (2025 Guide)

Feeling Stuck with Windows Updates? Clearing the Cache Might Help

You sit down to get work done, click “Check for updates,” and then… nothing. Windows Update gets stuck, throws strange error codes, or leaves your PC feeling slow and unresponsive.

One hidden but very common cause of these issues is a corrupted Windows Update cache. Over time, the cache can fill up with incomplete or damaged files, and Windows may fail to download or install new updates correctly.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely clear the Windows Update cache on Windows 10 and Windows 11, which folders you can empty, which ones you should leave alone, and what to try next if clearing the cache isn’t enough to solve the problem.

Important: You’ll need an account with administrator rights to perform these steps.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear the Windows Update Cache

The safest way to clear the cache is to temporarily stop the Windows Update service, delete only the contents of specific folders, and then restart the service.

1. Stop the Windows Update service
   – Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   – In the list, find Windows Update.
   – Right-click it and select Stop.
   – Wait a few seconds until the status shows as Stopped.
2. Open the cache location
   – Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
   – In the address bar, type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and press Enter.
3. Delete files inside the cache folders
   – Open the Download folder inside SoftwareDistribution.
   – Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then press Delete to remove the contents.
   – Next, open the DataStore folder.
   – Again, select all files and folders inside and delete them.
   ⚠️ Do not delete the SoftwareDistribution folder itself.
4. Restart the Windows Update service
   – Open services.msc again (if you closed it).
   – Right-click Windows Update and choose Start.
   – Confirm that the status changes back to Running.
5. Restart your PC
   – Reboot your computer to apply all changes, then try running Windows Update again.

If you receive a “file in use” or “access denied” message while deleting files, double-check that Windows Update has really stopped, then try again.

What These Folders Do — and Why It’s Safe to Clear Them

1. Download Folder

The Download folder stores temporary files that Windows fetches when downloading updates. After an update has installed (or even if it fails), many of these temporary files are no longer needed.

When they become corrupted, updates may refuse to install or get stuck at a certain percentage. Deleting the contents of this folder forces Windows to re-download fresh copies of any required update files.

Note: Delete only the contents of Download, not the folder itself.

2. DataStore Folder

The DataStore folder contains logs and databases that track your update history and internal status information for Windows Update.

Clearing its contents can help when:

• The update history appears incorrect or never updates.
• Updates repeatedly fail with the same error code.
• Windows Update behaves as if an old, broken update is still pending.

After you delete the contents of DataStore and restart the Windows Update service:

• The update history list in Settings is reset or partially cleared.
• Already installed updates remain installed and active.

This makes it safe to clear when you’re troubleshooting, as long as you follow the steps carefully.

⚠️ Folders You Should Never Delete

While it’s fine to delete the contents of specific subfolders, there are some folders you should avoid removing or renaming entirely.

• The SoftwareDistribution folder itself – Deleting the whole folder can sometimes be recovered from, but it’s more risky and unnecessary for most users. Stick to clearing its subfolders instead.
• EventCache folder (if present)
  – This can be used for telemetry and logging. Deleting it is not usually recommended unless you’re following official instructions from Microsoft or a trusted technician.
• Any other subfolders you don’t recognize
  – Unless you’re following a specific, up-to-date guide from a reliable source, it’s best not to touch additional folders.

Removing critical folders may cause Windows Update to malfunction in ways that require system repair or a full reinstall, so it’s better to stay on the safe side.

Still Not Fixed? Try These Advanced Repair Commands

If clearing the cache doesn’t solve the problem, the next step is to check whether your Windows system files or component store are damaged. Two built-in tools are especially helpful: SFC and DISM.

1. Run SFC (System File Checker)
   1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
   2. In the window that opens, type:
   sfc /scannow
   3. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete (this can take some time).
   4. If SFC reports that it found and repaired files, restart your PC and try Windows Update again.
2. Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
   In the same admin Command Prompt or Terminal window, run these commands one by one:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   These commands check the health of the Windows image used for servicing and update operations, then attempt to repair it if problems are found.

   Tip: For /RestoreHealth, a stable internet connection is recommended so Windows can download clean files if needed.

After DISM finishes, restart your PC once more and check for updates again.

June 2025 Update Notes

As of June 2025, some users on Windows 11 (especially 24H2) have reported specific issues where clearing the update cache can help or at least is worth trying.

• Update failures with KB5060842 or KB5063060
  – If these updates repeatedly fail to install or get stuck during download, manually clearing the cache and then retrying the update has resolved the issue for some users.
• Windows 11 24H2: frozen progress or post-update freezes
  – On certain devices, the update progress bar may stay stuck for a long time, or the system may feel unstable after installation. Clearing the cache, running SFC/DISM, and then reapplying the update can sometimes stabilize the system.
• Storage Sense and temporary files
  – Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage) helps clean up temporary files, but if it runs while an update is in progress, it might interfere with some temporary components. It’s safer to avoid running manual cleanups while Windows Update is actively downloading or installing updates.

Pro Tip: Use Standalone Installers from Microsoft Update Catalog

If Windows Update continues to fail even after clearing the cache and repairing system files, you can try installing the problematic update manually.

• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Search for the KB number (for example, KB5060842).
• Download the correct package for your version of Windows (Windows 11, 22H2/24H2, x64, ARM64, etc.).
• Run the downloaded .msu file and follow the on-screen instructions.

This method bypasses some parts of the built-in Windows Update mechanism and can succeed even when automatic updates repeatedly fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?
  A: For most users, it’s safer to delete only the contents of the Download and DataStore folders inside SoftwareDistribution, not the folder itself. Deleting or renaming the entire folder is a more advanced step and can cause unexpected behavior if done incorrectly.
• Q: Will clearing the cache remove already installed updates?
  A: No. Installed updates stay on your system. Clearing the cache primarily affects temporary files and the visible update history list, not the updates that have already been applied.
• Q: Can I clear the update cache regularly as maintenance?
  A: It’s not necessary as routine maintenance. Use this method mainly when you are experiencing update errors, stuck downloads, or repeated failures.
• Q: Do I need to back up my PC before doing this?
  A: Clearing the cache is generally safe, but creating a restore point and backing up important data is always a good habit before making system-level changes.

Final Thoughts

Clearing the Windows Update cache is a simple but powerful troubleshooting step when updates refuse to install, stay stuck, or keep failing with the same error code. Combined with SFC, DISM, and (if necessary) a standalone installer from Microsoft, it can often bring a misbehaving Windows Update back to life without reinstalling the entire system.

As always, take care when working inside system folders and running advanced commands. If you’re not confident, consider asking a trusted technician or IT support person to help you through the process.

Keep your system updated, keep your data backed up, and your Windows PC will be much more likely to stay fast, secure, and reliable.

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎ How to Fix Windows C Drive Permission Errors (Full Recovery Guide)

▶︎ 10 Essential Things to Do First When You Get a New Windows PC (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

▶︎ Windows Troubleshooter Failed or Not Working — Complete Fix Guide (With Extra Tips)

タグ: 2025 update issues, Windows update, Windows 11, DISM, SoftwareDistribution, SFC, update error, update troubleshooting, cache, stuck updates