3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11

Windows Update automatically runs to check if your computer needs any updates. If so, it downloads the updates to a folder in preparation for installation. However, the Windows update files in the folder are not automatically deleted after installation. Therefore, you will need to delete them manually as described below.

1. Remove Windows 11 update via Settings

Step 1:

First, press the Windows + I key combination , then click System on the left side of the interface.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 1

Looking at the interface next to us, click on Storage .

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 2

Step 2:

Here, users will see the interface for managing computer capacity by item, click on Temporary Files .

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 3

Step 3:

Now you select Windows Update Cleanup and click Remove files to delete update files on Windows 11.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 4

Delete Windows 11 update files via Disk Cleanup

Step 1:

Press Win + S key combination then type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and click on the search result.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 5

Step 2:

Next, click on drive C, which is usually the Windows installation drive, then click on Clean up System file s at the bottom of the interface.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 6

Step 3:

The new interface appears, click on Windows Update Cleanup and then click Delete to delete.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 7

Remove Windows 11 updates via SoftwareDistribution

Windows Update saves downloaded files in a folder called SoftwareDistribution in the Windows folder. In some cases, to delete Windows update files, users need to delete the contents of this folder.

Step 1:

Press Win + S to open the search window and type Services to open.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 8

Step 2:

Display the new interface, find the Windows Update service , right-click and select Stop .

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 9

Step 3:

Open File Explorer and find the SoftwareDistribution folder in this path: C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution .

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 10

Here you need to select all folders and right-click and select Delete to delete. Then go back to the Services window and turn on the Windows Update service , right-click on it and select the Start option.

3 ways to delete update files on Windows 11 Picture 11

4 ★ | 2 Vote

May be interested

  • 3 ways to update Windows 11 official version3 ways to update Windows 11 official version
    windows 11 was officially launched in october 2021, can be upgraded directly from windows 10. this article shows you 3 simple ways to update windows 11.
  • How to batch delete files on Windows 10How to batch delete files on Windows 10
    deleting anything more than a few files with file explorer can become a lengthy process. when it comes to batch deletion of files on windows 10, you have a few options.
  • How to view recently deleted files on Windows 10?How to view recently deleted files on Windows 10?
    usually when you delete any file on a windows 10 computer by right-clicking on the file and selecting delete or selecting the file then pressing the delete key, then the file will be moved to recycle bin. or another way to permanently delete files is to press shift + delete, and windows will move these files from recycle bin.
  • Steps to Delete junk files on Windows 10 thoroughly and effectivelySteps to Delete junk files on Windows 10 thoroughly and effectively
    cleaning up junk files on windows 10 helps you free up your hard drive and windows runs faster. this article will show you how to delete junk files on windows 10 thoroughly and effectively.
  • What is Temporary File? How to delete temporary files on windows computersWhat is Temporary File? How to delete temporary files on windows computers
    when you use the software, some temporary files are created and not deleted, filling up memory for a long time. here's how to delete temporary files on a windows computer.
  • How to View Recently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11?How to View Recently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11?
    normally, when you delete any file on your windows 10 computer by right-clicking on the file and selecting delete or selecting the file and pressing the delete key, the file will be moved to the recycle bin. or another way to delete files permanently is to press the shift + delete key combination, and windows will move these files from the recycle bin.
  • Clear the Windows 10 Update Cache to free up memory spaceClear the Windows 10 Update Cache to free up memory space
    whenever you update the system, windows automatically saves the updated windows installation files. although these files will be useful in some cases. however, if you do not need to use these files, it is better to delete the files to free up memory space.
  • How to Delete Recent Files on Windows 11How to Delete Recent Files on Windows 11
    deleting recent files on windows 11 is a quick solution to clean up data on windows computers. suggestions for you how to delete recent files on windows 11 easily today.
  • How to Delete Read-Only Files on LinuxHow to Delete Read-Only Files on Linux
    there are several ways to help you delete files read-only on linux. if it's a file you own, you can change the file permissions or use the sudo command to delete the original file. however, if you cannot delete files with write permissions (or see a 'read only file system' error message), you need to change the drive with the appropriate permissions. this article will show you how to delete read-only files on any linux distribution, including ubuntu and linux mint.
  • 10 most effective ways to delete stubborn files in 202310 most effective ways to delete stubborn files in 2023
    many times you want to delete a certain file but cannot delete it. so how to delete that stubborn file? find out details through this article.