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Clear Windows update files

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script clears the contents of the %SYSTEMROOT%\SoftwareDistribution\ directory. This action is sometimes called resetting the Windows Update Agent or resetting Windows Update components by Microsoft 1.

This directory contains Windows Update files 2 3. It includes logs of Windows updates 2 4, downloaded updates 5, and database files related to the updates 2.

Over time, the size of this folder can increase 5, leading to potential disk space issues. Clearing this directory can help free up disk space 5.

This folder is used by Windows Updates 1 6. The wuauserv service, also known as "Windows Update Service" 7, uses this folder for its operations 1 8 9. This service manages the Windows Update Agent (WUA) functionality 7.

Clearing this directory is generally safe, and sometimes, Microsoft even recommends this action to troubleshoot and resolve update-related errors 1 5 6 9 10.

This script contributes to users' privacy and system efficiency by cleaning up old and potentially unnecessary update files.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Clear Windows update files" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Clear Windows update files" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Clear Windows update files
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Stop service: wuauserv (with state flag) (wait until stopped)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$serviceName = 'wuauserv'; Write-Host "^""Stopping service: `"^""$serviceName`"^""."^""; $service = Get-Service -Name $serviceName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; if (!$service) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, service `"^""$serviceName`"^"" could not be not found, no need to stop it."^""; exit 0; }; if ($service.Status -ne [System.ServiceProcess.ServiceControllerStatus]::Running) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, `"^""$serviceName`"^"" is not running, no need to stop."^""; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""`"^""$serviceName`"^"" is running, stopping it."^""; try { $service | Stop-Service -Force -ErrorAction Stop; $service.WaitForStatus([System.ServiceProcess.ServiceControllerStatus]::Stopped); } catch { throw "^""Failed to stop the service `"^""$serviceName`"^"": $_"^""; }; Write-Host "^""Successfully stopped the service: `"^""$serviceName`"^""."^""; $stateFilePath = '%APPDATA%\privacy.sexy-wuauserv'; $expandedStateFilePath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($stateFilePath); if (Test-Path -Path $expandedStateFilePath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping creating a service state file, it already exists: `"^""$expandedStateFilePath`"^""."^""; } else { <# Ensure the directory exists #>; $parentDirectory = [System.IO.Path]::GetDirectoryName($expandedStateFilePath); if (-not (Test-Path $parentDirectory -PathType Container)) { try { New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $parentDirectory -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; }  catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to create parent directory of service state file `"^""$parentDirectory`"^"": $_"^""; }; }; <# Create the state file #>; try { New-Item -ItemType File -Path $expandedStateFilePath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host 'The service will be started again.'; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to create service state file `"^""$expandedStateFilePath`"^"": $_"^""; }; }"
:: Clear directory contents  : "%SYSTEMROOT%\SoftwareDistribution"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$pathGlobPattern = "^""$($directoryGlob = '%SYSTEMROOT%\SoftwareDistribution'; if ($directoryGlob.EndsWith('\*')) { $directoryGlob } elseif ($directoryGlob.EndsWith('\')) { "^""$($directoryGlob)*"^"" } else { "^""$($directoryGlob)\*"^"" } )"^""; $expandedPath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($pathGlobPattern); Write-Host "^""Searching for items matching pattern: `"^""$($expandedPath)`"^""."^""; $deletedCount = 0; $failedCount = 0; $foundAbsolutePaths = @(); Write-Host 'Iterating files and directories recursively.'; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-ChildItem -Path $expandedPath -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; try { $foundAbsolutePaths += @(; Get-Item -Path $expandedPath -ErrorAction Stop | Select-Object -ExpandProperty FullName; ); } catch [System.Management.Automation.ItemNotFoundException] { <# Swallow, do not run `Test-Path` before, it's unreliable for globs requiring extra permissions #>; }; $foundAbsolutePaths = $foundAbsolutePaths | Select-Object -Unique | Sort-Object -Property { $_.Length } -Descending; if (!$foundAbsolutePaths) { Write-Host 'Skipping, no items available.'; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Initiating processing of $($foundAbsolutePaths.Count) items from `"^""$expandedPath`"^""."^""; foreach ($path in $foundAbsolutePaths) { if (-not (Test-Path $path)) { <# Re-check existence as prior deletions might remove subsequent items (e.g., subdirectories). #>; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path) (already deleted)."^""; $deletedCount++; continue; }; try { Remove-Item -Path $path -Force -Recurse -ErrorAction Stop; $deletedCount++; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted: $($path)"^""; } catch { $failedCount++; Write-Warning "^""Unable to delete $($path): $_"^""; }; }; Write-Host "^""Successfully deleted $($deletedCount) items."^""; if ($failedCount -gt 0) { Write-Warning "^""Failed to delete $($failedCount) items."^""; }"
:: Start service: wuauserv (with state flag)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$serviceName = 'wuauserv'; $stateFilePath = '%APPDATA%\privacy.sexy-wuauserv'; $expandedStateFilePath = [System.Environment]::ExpandEnvironmentVariables($stateFilePath); if (-not (Test-Path -Path $expandedStateFilePath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping starting the service: It was not running before."^""; } else { try { Remove-Item -Path $expandedStateFilePath -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host 'The service is expected to be started.'; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to delete the service state file `"^""$expandedStateFilePath`"^"": $_"^""; }; }; $service = Get-Service -Name $serviceName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; if (!$service) { throw "^""Failed to start service `"^""$serviceName`"^"": Service not found."^""; }; if ($service.Status -eq [System.ServiceProcess.ServiceControllerStatus]::Running) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, `"^""$serviceName`"^"" is already running, no need to start."^""; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""`"^""$serviceName`"^"" is not running, starting it."^""; try { $service | Start-Service -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully started the service: `"^""$serviceName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Failed to start the service: `"^""$serviceName`"^""."^""; exit 1; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Clear Windows update files" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process