Where Does Delivery Optimization Store Cached Files?
Where Delivery Optimization caches update files on Windows, how to clear it, and the drive move policy..
Last updated
Delivery Optimization caches downloaded updates and apps in a system-profile folder for peer sharing across your network. Defaults cap size by disk percentage with three-day expiry, all overridable by policy. Disk Cleanup purges it on demand.
The cache location, drive, and lifetime all bow to policy settings on managed machines. Only sizable fresh content with healthy resources uploads outward. Treat the folder as disposable: the system rebuilds it from Microsoft sources anytime. Manual purges rarely hurt.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization\Cache
P2P update cache under the NetworkService profile with policy-controlled size and expiry. Clear through Disk Cleanup rather than deleting by hand. Move with the modify-drive policy on space-tight systems.
Frequently asked questions
how do I clear the update cache
Run Disk Cleanup and tick Delivery Optimization Files to purge the cache immediately. The system auto-expires entries after days or under space pressure. Policies cap size and age for managed fleets.
how do I move the cache drive
Set the modify-cache-drive policy to a drive letter, variable, or full folder path. Peer sharing continues from the new location. Default stays on the system drive otherwise.
what actually uploads to peers
Only files above the size threshold with remaining lifetime and healthy resources share outward. Small files skip peering entirely. Four upload slots rotate available content automatically.
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