Windows 10 Update Directory

Anon 312 1 Reputation point
2021-10-26T19:03:28.02+00:00

I am currently trying to install update 2021-10 Cumulative Update for Windows Server 2016 for x64-based Systems (KB5006669) for a server of mine.
The C drive is limited on space, already being at near max capacity, so there is no way that I can download and install this update onto the C drive.

I have an E drive with 500GB+ free space, and I am trying to move the update over to the E drive instead of the C drive.

I tried the symlink method:
Stop WUAUSERV
Created folder on E drive called WindowsUpdateDownload
Rename SoftwareDistrubution to SoftwareDistributionOld
Used Elevated CMD to create a symlink:
mklink /j c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution e:\WindowsUpdateDownload
Command completed successfully

Copied contents of SoftwareDistributionOld into the new symlinked SoftwareDistribution in C drive and they are correctly now appearing in the E drive's WindowsUpdateDownload.

Started the WUAUSERV again, however I am still met with a space error on Windows Update > Check for Updates, saying I need 1.65 GB of space.

I downloaded the standalone installer for this specific update, and downloaded it to the E drive, but as soon as I try to run the installer, I am also immediately met with an insufficient space.

Is there a way to change where the standalone installer is trying to install the update too?
Basically I need Windows Updates to be on the E drive going forward, as I am capped out on the C drive.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Rita Hu -MSFT 9,626 Reputation points
    2021-10-27T01:26:58.387+00:00

    @Anon 312
    Thanks for your posting on Q&A.

    I have already tested it in my lab and it seems that I follow this link and moved the Software Distribution folder successfully. Note that this link is not from MS, just for your reference.

    Perhaps we could try to restart the computer to confirm whether the issue will be resolved or not.

    Regards,
    Rita

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