Deleting the software distribution download files

In addition, the next time you run Windows Update, this will result in longer detection times. Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Search menu. Then right-click it to choose Run as administrator :. If files are in use and you cannot delete some files, then you should restart your device. Run the above command again after restarting. Once you have deleted the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to type the following command to activate the services related to Windows Update:.

Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop. Delete all the files and folders under SoftwareDistribution folder. Again right-click on Windows Update service then select Start.

Now to try to download the Windows updates and this time it will without any issues. Now type the following commands to stop Windows Update Services and then hit Enter after each one:.

Next, type the following command to rename SoftwareDistribution Folder and then hit Enter:. Finally, type the folowing command to start Windows Update Services and hit Enter after each one:. Once you have completed these steps, Windows 10 will automatically create a folder and download the necessary elements for running Windows Update services. If the above step is not working then you can boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode , and rename SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.

Now browse to the C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution folder and delete all the files and folders inside. If the files are in use, and you are unable to delete some files, restart your device. After rebooting, run the above commands again.

Now you will be able to delete the files from the mentioned Software Distribution folder. Renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder allows to quickly check if Windows Update files there are really causing the issue you are trying to resolve. Run the following command to rename SoftwareDistribution folder into SoftwareDistribution. To revert this, you can apply the same procedure afterwards using this command:. Sign in. Forgot your password? Get help.