Delivery Optimization is one of many useful features of Windows. It allows your desktop to communicate with the other machines on your network by sending and receiving updates. This makes downloading new Windows updates or the system much more quickly. However, its file also takes up a good deal of disk space. Therefore, knowing how to clear the Delivery Optimization cache in Windows can save your desktop from slowing down in the long run. Let’s get started!
How to Clear Delivery Optimization Cache in Windows
If your desktop is starting to lag down due to large files slowing your processes down, it might be time to consider deleting the Delivery Optimization cache immediately.
Option 1: Via Disk Cleanup
The best way to clear up cache files of Delivery Optimization is by accessing them from Disk Cleanup. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same:
1. Open the search bar and type in Disk cleanup.
2. Click on Open.
3. Under Files to delete, scroll down and tick on Delivery Optimization Files.
4. Click on OK.
5. Click on Delete Files from the confirmation prompt.
That’s it, your Delivery Optimization cache files will be cleaned up.
Option 2: Via PowerShell
Another way to delete the cache files of Delivery Optimization is by using the command in PowerShell. Check out how to do so:
1. Type in PowerShell or Command Prompt in the search bar and click Open as administrator.
2. Type in the command del /s /q “%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download\*”
3. Hit Enter.
Now the Delivery Optimization cache files will automatically get deleted.
Is it Safe to Delete Delivery Optimization Files from Your Computer?
Yes, if your Delivery Optimization cache files are taking up a lot of space, you can delete them without compromising any changes in your system.
What Happens If I Delete Delivery Optimization Files?
The only change users will notice is the slow download of new updates as your desktop will have to re-download any cached data.
How to Control Windows Update Delivery Optimization
If your Delivery Optimization is not updating every file, here is how you can choose to change its settings:
1. Open System settings and click on Windows update from the left menu.
2. Scroll down and click on Advanced options.
3. Under Additional options, click on Delivery Optimization.
4. Tick on Devices on my local network under Allow downloads from.
This way your desktop will not start Delivery Optimization over any apps from the internet.
How to Disable Delivery Optimization in Windows 10
If you wish to completely turn off Delivery Optimization for Windows 10 or 11, follow the steps mentioned below to do the same:
1. Follow steps 1-3 from the previous heading How to Control Windows Update Delivery Optimization.
2. Turn the toggle off for Allow downloads from other PCs.
Now your Delivery Optimization will be successfully disabled.
How Often Should I Clear the Delivery Optimization Cache?
Windows does not suggest any set frequency for clearing the Delivery Optimization Cache. You may choose to clear the cache periodically, especially if you notice performance issues or if your disk space is running low. Otherwise, Windows automatically manages the cache to optimize update delivery.
Also Read: How to Clear Microsoft Teams Cache on Windows 10
We hope our guide helped you clear the delivery optimization cache in Windows by following the methods outlined in this guide.
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