Changing default download and storage location for Windows updates

Question

Encountering multiple failed update attempts for Windows 10 version 22H2 due to low C Drive space. Advanced Options do not show option to set download updates to D Drive. Last guidance on Microsoft Learn Jan 31, 2024 states to Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I and click on Update & Security, however there is no specific "Update & Security" prompt in Internet Options.

Answer 1

Hi,

I found another thread about the same issue. You can try creating a directory junction to the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.

1: create a target directory

for example :

D:\other\desired\location

2: Ctrl+alt+delete>task manager>services>(right click on) wuauserv (then choose stop)

3: Rename c:\windows\softwaredistribution 

this folder to softwaredistribution.old

4: Run cmd as administrator and type this command then hit enter

mklink /j c:\windows\softwaredistribution d:\other\desired\location

("d:\other\desired\location" you can type another location that existed on your hard drive or you can create in step 1 )

5: Type this command on CMD and then hit enter

net start wuauserv

Or you can manually start service like step 2

6: if everything was ok

you can move softwaredistribution.old  files in new directory in the new drive.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-change-windows-10-updates-download-location/af61b88d-ec62-4e76-9a61-6f5b8ce4954a

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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