Manually Deleting Windows Update Files
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download . Ensure you have hidden files and folders visible in File Explorer settings. Select all files and folders in the Download folder and delete them. Note: It's recommended to stop the Windows Update service before deleting files: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type net stop wuauserv . Type net stop bits (optional, but can help with cleanup). Navigate to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and delete the contents, or rename the folder for easy rollback. Type net start wuauserv to restart the service. Type net start bits (optional, to restart the Bit Transfer Service).