Windows 11 updates are vital for system security and performance. However, situations arise where removing downloaded or pending updates becomes necessary, such as limited disk space or concerns about system stability. This guide provides several methods to delete these updates.
Delete the Software Distribution Folder
Deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder is an effective way to remove all pending Windows updates. Here’s how:
Step 1: Search for Command Prompt in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: When the Command Prompt opens, execute these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
Step 4: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
Step 5: Delete all files & folders within the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Step 6: Open Command Prompt again and execute these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
Delete Windows 11 Downloaded Updates
This method allows you to manually delete downloaded updates that are pending installation.
Step 1: Open File Explorer on your PC.
Step 2: Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
Step 3: In the Download folder, press CTRL + A to select all files.
Step 4: Right-click on any of the selected files and choose the Delete option.
Step 5: In the confirmation prompt, click the Delete button again.
Delete Files Stored in the Temporary Folder
Although the temporary folder isn’t directly related to Windows 11 updates, clearing it can help ensure that all downloaded files are removed.
Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: In the Run dialog box, type %temp% and press Enter.
Step 3: This will open your PC’s temp folder. Press CTRL + A to select all files.
Step 4: Right-click on any selected files and click the Delete button.
Remove the Pending.xml File
The Pending.xml file is created when you download an update and schedule the installation for later. Removing it can resolve prompts to select another installation time.
Step 1: Open File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC.
Step 2: Navigate to C:\Windows\WinSxS.
Step 3: In the WinSxS folder, scroll down to the end. You should find a file named Pending.xml.
Step 4: Right-click on the Pending.xml file and select the Delete option.
These methods provide ways to manage downloaded, failed, or pending Windows 11 updates, helping you regain storage space or address system update issues. Remember to proceed with caution when deleting system files, and consider backing up your system beforehand.