Can't rename Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folder in Windows 10

Question

Hi Microsoft team.

I have an issue with my laptop where I cannot rename files with cmd and in admin mode too. It gives me access denied i'm trying to change these files.

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old  

I'm trying to fix windows update problems.

***Modify title from: Can't rename folders or files with cmd even in admin. ***

Answer 1

Hi ShahzebHussain,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Could you please help me with the below information:

1. What is the make and model of the computer?
2. What is the version of Windows installed on your computer? (To check, type: winver in start menu and hit enter.)
3. Dou you receive any error message while updating the computer?

Software Distribution and Catroot2 are Windows operating system folders that are required for the Windows Update process. The update service like Cryptographic Windows update and BITS makes use of the C:\Windows\System32\catroot2\edb.log file for the updating process. I suggest you to first stop these services and then rename the folders.

1. Tap on the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type Command prompt, right click on the search result and run as Administrator.
3. Copy and paste the following commands.

Net stop Wuauserv

Net stop cryptsvc

Net stop bits

4.  Go to the file location and try to renaming the folder.

5.  Once it is done, restart the update services by going back to command prompt window. (Refer step 2)

6.  Type :

Net start cryptsvc

Net start bits

Net start wuauserv

<changed from Net stop wuauserv>

7.  Exit the command prompt.

If that doesn’t work, you can ‘Reset the Windows update components’. These steps will rename the folders you have mentioned and fix most of the issues with Windows update.

Note: The above article****contains the steps related to registry. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. To backup and restore registry key, refer Microsoft article on How to back up and restore the registry in Windows.

For more information about Windows update issue, refer the Microsoft article on Fix Windows Update issuesand**Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10.**If you would like me to provide additional advice, simply respond to this thread. I will get notified and I’ll reply to you as soon as I can.

Note: The above article****contains the steps related to clean installation. While performing these steps there might be a risk of data loss. You may take a backup of the data before performing the steps.

Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community – Moderator