How to fix and clear the Windows Delivery Optimization cache to resolve stuck Windows Updates

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix and clear the Windows Delivery Optimization cache to resolve stuck Windows Updates. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Windows Delivery Optimization (DO) is a built-in feature that lets your computer share update files with other PCs on your network or online, reducing Microsoft's bandwidth load. Sometimes the DO cache becomes corrupted or bloated, causing Windows Updates to stall at "Downloading," fail repeatedly, or get stuck at 0%. Clearing the cache forces Windows to re-download the update files cleanly. This guide walks you through the process on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Stop the Delivery Optimization service.
2. Delete the contents of the Delivery Optimization cache folder.
3. Restart the Delivery Optimization service.
4. Re-run Windows Update.

net stop DoSvc
del /f /s /q "%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\DownloadCache\*"
net start DoSvc

If that resolves your issue, you're done. If not, continue to the detailed instructions below.

Detailed Instructions

Stop the Delivery Optimization Service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and double-click Delivery Optimization (the service name is DoSvc).
3. Click Stop.
4. Set the Startup type to Manual for now — you can change it back later.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

Delete the Delivery Optimization Cache

Press Win + R, paste the following path, and press Enter:

%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\DownloadCache

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folders inside.
2. Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them (skip the Recycle Bin).
3. If Windows reports any files are in use, return to Services and confirm the Delivery Optimization service is stopped, then try again.

Restart the Service and Reset Update Components

1. Return to Services (services.msc) and double-click Delivery Optimization.
2. Set the Startup type back to Manual (Trigger Start) — this is the Windows default.
3. Click Start, then OK.
4. For a thorough reset, also restart the Windows Update service:
   • Right-click Start and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
   • Run:

net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv

Re-run Windows Update

1. Open Settings with Win + I.
2. Navigate to Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Allow the download to complete. If the update was previously stuck, it should now download from scratch.

Troubleshooting

Cache Folder Won't Open or Files Won't Delete

• Confirm the Delivery Optimization service is stopped (see step 1 above).
• Some files may be locked by Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Open Services, stop BITS, delete the cache, then restart it.
• Boot into Safe Mode if files still won't delete, then repeat the process.

Updates Still Stuck After Clearing the Cache

• Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter: Settings > Windows Update > Troubleshoot.
• Reset Windows Update components fully using the steps in our Troubleshooting Windows 11 Update Issues guide.
• Check available disk space — Windows Update needs several gigabytes free.
• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software, which can interfere with delivery.

Delivery Optimisation Settings to Review

Windows lets you control how updates are shared. If updates keep failing on a metered or slow connection, restrict sharing:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimisation.
2. Select Allow downloads from other PCs: Off to use Microsoft servers only.
3. Alternatively, choose Local network only if you trust your network.

Performance Considerations

If your machine is older or low on resources, Delivery Optimisation can occasionally cause high disk or network usage. Reviewing Optimising Windows 11 Performance alongside this guide can help you keep things running smoothly.

Still Having Issues?