However, occasionally, the files dont always get deleted from the SoftwareDistribution folder.

But is safe to do so, or will it corrupt your operating system?

However, you may need to interfere when there is something wrong with it.

Cleanup SoftwareDistribution folder

The SoftwareDistriution folder stores temporary files for Windows Updates and other hotfixes.

These are usually downloaded through Windows Update.

If you remove them, then they will be downloaded again.

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Therefore,it is safe to clean up the SoftwareDistribution folder.

If you clean the SoftwareDistribution folder, you will lose all history data of the recently-installed Windows updates.

This will then make pinpointing a problematic update difficult.

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Other than that, it is completely safe to clear out the SoftwareDistribution folder.

Therefore, do not rename or delete it without a reason.

you could clean up the SoftwareDistribution folder if you are experiencing an issue with Windows updates.

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For example, if an update is getting stuck, or wont install at all.

Or any other issue with Windows Update.

How to Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The safest approach is to simply rename the default SoftwareDistribution folder.

When you rename it, Windows will automatically create a fresh folder with new subdirectories and files.

Moreover, this way, you’ve got the option to always restore the old folder if needed.

However, it will not fix the issue of a large SoftwareDistribution folder and clear out any disk space.

Therefore, this method can only be applied if you have sufficient available disk space.

Launch anelevated Command Prompt.

spin up the following cmdlets to stop the Windows Update and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service services.

Now immediately execute the following cmdlet to rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old.

Now fire off the following cmdlets to start the stopped services.

How to Cleanup the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Do not shut the Command Prompt.

You will now have a clean and good-as-new SoftwareDistribution folder for a fresh start.

This article is a part of our ongoing Disk cleanup and optimization series.

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source: www.itechtics.com