How to Use Windows Update Cleanup Safely in Windows 11

Windows update cleanup matters when an update leaves rollback files, temporary files, or cached update data taking up space. On a current Windows 11 PC, start in Storage settings, use Disk Cleanup for the older system-file screen, and save command-line cleanup for advanced cases.

1. Start with Cleanup recommendations

Use this first when you want Windows to suggest cleanup targets.

1. 1.Select Start, then open Settings.
2. 2.Select System, then Storage.
3. 3.Select Cleanup recommendations.
4. 4.Review each category, including Temporary files.
5. 5.Select the items you want to remove.
6. 6.Select Clean up for each section.

Microsoft also points to Cleanup recommendations for reclaiming update rollback space after an update has completed.

2. Remove temporary update files manually

1. 1.Select Start.
2. 2.Open Settings.
3. 3.Select System.
4. 4.Select Storage.
5. 5.Select Temporary files.
6. 6.Check the file types you want to remove.
7. 7.Select Remove files.

After a Windows upgrade, stay on the same Temporary files screen and look for Previous Windows Installation(s), which Microsoft also calls your previous version of Windows. It is only listed if it has been fewer than 10 days since you upgraded, so if you do not see it, Windows has already cleared it. If it is there, check it and select Remove files. That deletes the Windows.old folder, which is what gives you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows, so only do it once you are sure the upgrade is working.

3. Turn on Storage Sense

Storage Sense is the better choice when temporary files keep coming back because it lets Windows clean eligible storage on a schedule. Select Start, open Settings, choose System, then Storage, and set Storage Sense to On. Select Storage Sense, then configure Cleanup of temporary files, Automatic User content cleanup, Locally available cloud content, and Cleanup schedules.

4. Run Storage Sense now

1. 1.Select Start.
2. 2.Open Settings.
3. 3.Select System.
4. 4.Select Storage.
5. 5.Select Storage Sense.
6. 6.Select Run Storage sense now.

Use this when you need space right away after an update or a large install. It clears eligible temporary files without opening each cleanup category one by one.

5. Use Disk Cleanup for system files

Disk Cleanup is still a Microsoft-documented option on Windows 11, especially when you want the classic system-file cleanup window.

1. 1.In the taskbar search box, type disk cleanup.
2. 2.Select Disk Cleanup.
3. 3.Select the drive.
4. 4.Select OK.
5. 5.Check the file types you want to delete.
6. 6.Select Clean up system files.
7. 7.Select the drive again.
8. 8.Select OK.
9. 9.Select the system file types to remove.
10. 10.Select OK, then Delete files.

If Windows displays Windows Update Cleanup, select it in Disk Cleanup. Microsoft’s current Windows 11 support pages describe temporary files and system file types rather than guaranteeing that exact checkbox on every PC.

6. Clear Delivery Optimization files

1. 1.In the taskbar search box, type disk cleanup.
2. 2.Select Disk Cleanup.
3. 3.On the Disk Cleanup tab, select Delivery Optimization Files.
4. 4.Select OK.
5. 5.Select Delete Files.

Delivery Optimization files are update-related cache files, and Windows removes them through Disk Cleanup. This targets the Delivery Optimization cache, so use it alongside normal Storage cleanup, not as a replacement for the other update cleanup options.

7. Use advanced cleanup with the right tradeoff

Stop at Settings, Storage Sense, or Disk Cleanup on a typical home PC.

Use these Microsoft-documented advanced options only when you are comfortable running elevated tools and accepting the update-removal tradeoff.

DISM component cleanup: Open an elevated Command Prompt, then run Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup. This removes superseded component versions immediately.

ResetBase: Open an elevated Command Prompt, then run Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase. Use it only when you do not need to uninstall superseded updates, because it removes all superseded versions of every component in the component store.

StartComponentCleanup task: Open Task Scheduler, expand Task Scheduler Library\Microsoft\Windows\Servicing\StartComponentCleanup, then select Run under Selected Item. Microsoft says the automatic task waits at least 30 days after an updated component is installed before uninstalling previous component versions.

cleanmgr automation: Open Terminal, Command Prompt, or Run. Use cleanmgr /d <driveletter> for an interactive cleanup of one specific drive. Use cleanmgr /sageset:n to save a set of cleanup categories, then cleanmgr /sagerun:n to run them. Microsoft notes that /d is not utilized with /sagerun:n: that switch enumerates all drives on the computer and runs the saved profile against each one.

8. Fix update cache errors separately

1. 1.Press Win + R.
2. 2.Type services.msc.
3. 3.Press Enter.
4. 4.Find Windows Update.
5. 5.Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
6. 6.Open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
7. 7.Delete the files and folders inside that directory.
8. 8.Return to Services.
9. 9.Right-click Windows Update and select Start.

Deleting the Windows Update cache is for update errors caused by corrupt update files or cache problems. Do not use it as routine space cleanup.

If Windows Update needs more space to install an update, connect an external storage device with at least 10 GB free. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update, select Fix issues when it appears, choose the external storage device from the drop-down menu, select Next, and follow the prompts.

9. Skip outdated Windows 7 advice

Older cleanup instructions often mention a Windows 7 Disk Cleanup Wizard add-on for Windows Update Cleanup. Leave that alone on a current PC. It was made for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1, not Windows 11 in July 2026.

On Windows 11, use Cleanup recommendations, Temporary files, Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, or the documented advanced tools above. For managed work or school devices, storage cleanup settings belong in admin tools such as Microsoft Intune, Group Policy, or the Storage Policy CSP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windows Update Cleanup safe to delete?

Yes. Use Microsoft-supported paths such as Settings > System > Storage, Storage Sense, or Disk Cleanup to remove temporary and system update-related files.

Can I delete Previous Windows Installation(s)?

Yes, after the upgrade is complete and you no longer need the previous installation rollback files. Remove it from Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.

Why do I not see Windows Update Cleanup in Disk Cleanup?

Microsoft’s current Windows 11 guidance focuses on temporary files, cleanup recommendations, system files, and Storage Sense. Select Windows Update Cleanup only when Windows displays it.

Should I delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to free space?

No. Microsoft documents that folder cleanup for Windows Update errors caused by corrupt update files or cache problems, not routine space reclamation.

What should I do when Windows Update needs more storage?

Use Microsoft’s external storage flow. Connect a device with at least 10 GB free, go to Settings > Windows Update, select Fix issues when it appears, choose the device, and continue.