Softwaredistribution folder

Its size can vary and depends on your computer state. If your machine is ready to install system updates already downloaded the update files , the size of the Software Distribution folder is comparatively larger than usual. Otherwise, its size is smaller. In general, after all files required to install Windows update are used, it is safe to delete them from the Software Distribution folder.

Even if you accidentally removed them before installation, they will be re-downloaded automatically. And, the Datastore folder includes the system update history files. If you choose to delete this folder, you will lose your update history details.

Of course, you can open the folder and clear out its contents manually. However, if Windows Update keeps on showing you an error message, then the best course of action is to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder entirely. However, everything changes when you learn that there are synchronization issues with Windows Update or when the files in the folder have been corrupted.

Do not worry because it is completely safe to get rid of the SoftwareDistribution folder. That said, you should still take some precautions before deleting this folder. You must ensure that the root cause of the errors on your PC is Windows Update. So, when the update files are ready, your operating system will recreate the folder.

Whenever you decide to make changes to your system, it is essential that you create a restore point. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can always bring back your OS to a working state.

So, follow the steps below:. Let your system create a restore point. It may take a couple of minutes for the process to complete.

After creating a restore point, you can now delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. Windows 10 will always re-download all the necessary files, or re-create the folder and re-download all the components, if removed.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. As an alternative option, we'll also show you the steps to rename the folder, in case you only want to test if the folder's content is the one causing problems. Quick Tip: In the case, you're having trouble deleting all the files, simply restart your computer, and try again.

Once you completed the steps, Windows 10 will reconfigure the folder and re-download all the necessary components. If you don't want to delete the content inside of the folder, you can alternatively, rename the folder to troubleshoot Windows Update problems. Quick Tip: If the command isn't letting you rename the folder, try steps No.

It is used to temporarily store files that may be needed to install Windows Update on your computer. Generally, once all the files it needs have been used to install Windows Update, you can delete the contents of the Software Distribution folder. Even if you delete files in other ways, they will download automatically. If you delete the folder itself, the folder will be automatically recreated and the required WU components will be downloaded automatically. However, your Windows Update History files are also contained in this data store.