Where Is the Delivery Optimization Cache?
Windows Delivery Optimization cache folder and cleanup controls.
Last updated
Delivery Optimization caches Windows and Store update payloads in a SoftwareDistribution subfolder, sharing them with LAN peers when enabled. Gigabytes pile up silently between feature updates.
Clear it through Disk Cleanup rather than raw deletes when services run. Peer sharing settings decide whether the cache regrows aggressively.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DeliveryOptimization
Cached update payloads shared with peers. Stop Windows Update and Delivery Optimization services before manual clears. Prefer Settings Storage cleanup over Explorer deletes. Policies live in registry and group policy beside it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete Delivery Optimization files?
Yes through Disk Cleanup with services stopped. Raw deletes while updating corrupt the payload store.
How do I stop Windows sharing updates?
Turn off peer sharing in Delivery Optimization settings. The cache folder above then serves only the local machine.
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