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I Can't Delete Old Windows Update Files

Anonymous
2023-05-05T22:16:56+00:00

I have a laptop that no longer has enough space for Windows updates. It is only used for email and the Internet, so I am happy if it never updates again.

The problem is that there are a lot of Windows update files (ESD) that are eating up the limited space on the hard drive, and they seem to be protected, so I can't delete them. I have already disabled updating and turned off everything I think is involved in adding more of these files, but how do I get rid of them once and for all?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-20T14:58:39+00:00

    After an update, Windows Update Cleanup gets scanned by Settings > Storage, but sometimes simply not detected to be deleted along with all the other stuff (like temp files, thumbnails etc.).

    If it has only been a day or two after the last update, wait another day or two and then run Settings > Storage again, as described by RobinsonSilvestre above.

    If no success, then restart your computer and run Settings > Storage again

    If Windows Update Cleanup still doesn't get detected, then the only other option is to delete the files manually:

    1. Open Settings > Windows Update > View Update History and verify that the update has been "successfully installed" and note the KB number(s) listed in brackets.
    2. In Windows explorer go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and locate the large .cab file(s) that has/have a KB number in the file name (e.g. Windows10.0-KB123456-x64.cab)

    If that number is the same as in the update history under "successfully installed", then you can delete the file(s), because it's been already installed. Ideally first delete it/them into the recycle bin and then double check again and delete from the recycle bin. Once you delete it/them from recycle bin, the space on your hard drive will be freed up.

    Only do this solution a few days or 1 week after the last update AND only if your system is running fine.

    Hope this helps.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-29T03:28:25+00:00

    This didn't work for me either. All cleanup methods listed, plus a few extra, leave the update files behind.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-05-30T14:52:38+00:00

    Steps 1 and 2 worked, then there was no "Temporary Files" or any of the other steps. I am using Windows 10 Home 64 and all updates have been applied.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-11T02:12:05+00:00

    Same issues for Windows 11 Home since the recent update.

    Windows 11 Home Single Language

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-09T19:20:34+00:00

    Same issue here.

    Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2921 (Beta Channel)

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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