How To Clear Old Windows Update Files

How to Delete Old Windows Update Files

There is still one part of Windows Update that needs your attention: the old files that are left behind. They can take up a lot of space.

After what feels like an eternity, Microsoft has found a solution to the Windows updates conundrum—and more amazingly, users are happy with it.

Windows Update is now almost entirely automated, relying on active hours, customizable restarts, and manual pauses to give users more control. But there is still one part of Windows Update that needs your attention: the old files that are left behind. They can take up a lot of space.

Thankfully, it is easy to delete Windows 10 old update files. Keep reading to learn how.

How to Delete Old Windows Update Files

Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
Go to Administrative Tools.
Double-click on Disk Cleanup.
Select Clean up system files.
Mark the checkbox next to Windows Update Cleanup.
If available, you can also mark the checkbox next to Previous Windows installations. Doing so will delete the Windows.old file.
Click OK.
Wait for Windows to complete the uninstallation process.

After you delete old update files, as outlined above, you might also want to delete some Windows files and folders to free up even more space.

Some of the most common files and folders that you can safely delete include upgrade log files, unused language resource files, and temporary files.

And if you ever need to install certain updates, you can use the Microsoft Update Catalog.

It is a library of all previous updates that you can search and use for free. The catalog is useful if you encounter corrupted updates for any reason.

And remember the golden rule of keeping your computer free of clutter—never install apps you don't need!

How to Manage Windows Update in Windows 10

For control freaks, Windows Update is a nightmare. It works in the background, and keeps your system safe and running smoothly. We show you how it works and what you can customize.