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How to Clear Delivery Optimization Cache in Windows 11

Geeksdigit Team

June 28, 2026

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Windows 11 uses Delivery Optimization to download Windows updates and Microsoft Store apps more efficiently. Instead of downloading every file directly from Microsoft, your PC can retrieve parts of updates from other devices on your local network or the internet, similar to peer-to-peer sharing. To make this process faster, Windows stores downloaded update files in a Delivery Optimization cache.

While this cache helps reduce download times and bandwidth usage, it can gradually consume several gigabytes of storage. In some cases, corrupted cache files may also cause Windows Update errors, failed downloads, or updates getting stuck. Clearing the Delivery Optimization cache is a safe maintenance task that can free up disk space and resolve update-related problems without affecting your personal files.

In this guide, you’ll learn several safe ways to clear the Delivery Optimization cache in Windows 11, along with when you should do it and what happens afterward.

What Is the Delivery Optimization Cache?

Delivery Optimization is a Windows feature that temporarily stores downloaded update packages on your computer.

The cache is used to:

• Speed up Windows Update downloads.
• Reduce internet bandwidth usage.
• Share update files with other PCs on your network.
• Improve Microsoft Store app downloads.
• Resume interrupted downloads more efficiently.

Once updates are installed, much of the cache is no longer needed, although Windows may retain some files for future use.

Why Clear the Delivery Optimization Cache?

There are several reasons to clear the cache:

• Free up storage space.
• Fix Windows Update download problems.
• Remove corrupted update files.
• Resolve update installation failures.
• Stop repeated download errors.
• Improve update performance.
• Troubleshoot Microsoft Store update issues.

Deleting the cache does not uninstall updates or remove installed applications.

Method 1: Clear Delivery Optimization Cache Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is the easiest way to remove cached Delivery Optimization files.

1. Press Windows + S and search for Disk Cleanup.
2. Open Disk Cleanup.
3. Select the Windows drive (usually C:).
4. Click OK.
5. Wait while Windows calculates the available space.
6. Locate Delivery Optimization Files.
7. Check its box.
8. Optionally select other temporary files you wish to remove.
9. Click OK.
10. Select Delete Files.

Windows will remove the cached Delivery Optimization files.

Method 2: Clear Delivery Optimization Cache from Storage Settings

Storage settings provide another simple method.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Storage.
4. Wait for storage analysis to complete.
5. Select Temporary files.
6. Check Delivery Optimization Files.
7. Click Remove files.
8. Confirm the deletion.

The cache will be deleted immediately.

Method 3: Delete the Cache Using Storage Sense

Storage Sense can automatically remove Delivery Optimization files.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Select Storage.
4. Click Storage Sense.
5. Scroll to Temporary Files Cleanup.
6. Ensure temporary files are selected.
7. Click Run Storage Sense now.

Storage Sense removes unnecessary temporary files, including Delivery Optimization cache when appropriate.

Method 4: Restart the Delivery Optimization Service

If the cache isn’t clearing properly, restarting the service may help.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Locate Delivery Optimization.
5. Right-click it.
6. Choose Restart.
7. If it’s stopped, click Start.
8. Close the Services window.

Restart your computer afterward.

Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components

If corrupted cache files continue causing update failures, resetting Windows Update components may help.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Stop the update services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop dosvc

3. Restart the services:

net start dosvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

4. Restart your PC.
5. Check Windows Update again.

This refreshes several update-related services.

Method 6: Disable Delivery Optimization Temporarily

If you don’t want Windows storing peer-to-peer update files, you can disable the feature.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. Select Delivery Optimization.
5. Turn off Allow downloads from other PCs.

Future updates will download directly from Microsoft without sharing cached files with other devices.

Method 7: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If Delivery Optimization cache problems are preventing updates, run the built-in troubleshooter.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Find Windows Update.
6. Click Run.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Restart your PC if prompted.

The troubleshooter can detect and fix common update issues automatically.

Method 8: Use Storage Recommendations

Windows can identify large temporary files, including Delivery Optimization cache.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Storage.
4. Open Cleanup recommendations.
5. Review temporary files.
6. Select Delivery Optimization Files if listed.
7. Click Clean up.

This provides a quick way to reclaim storage.

What Happens After Clearing the Cache?

After deleting the Delivery Optimization cache:

• Installed Windows updates remain intact.
• Microsoft Store apps continue working normally.
• Windows may re-download update files if needed.
• Some future updates may take slightly longer to download initially.
• Storage space becomes available again.

Windows automatically rebuilds the cache when necessary.

Is It Safe to Delete Delivery Optimization Files?

Yes. Microsoft considers these files temporary.

Deleting them:

• Does not remove installed updates.
• Does not affect personal files.
• Does not damage Windows.
• Can safely free several gigabytes of storage.
• May resolve update download issues.

Many users clear this cache periodically as part of regular system maintenance.

Tips to Keep Delivery Optimization Working Efficiently

To maintain good update performance:

• Keep Windows fully updated.
• Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup.
• Ensure enough free disk space.
• Avoid interrupting major Windows updates.
• Restart your PC after large updates.
• Run Disk Cleanup occasionally.
• Use a stable internet connection.

These habits help prevent cache corruption and improve update reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing the Delivery Optimization cache uninstall Windows updates?

No. It only removes temporary cached files used during downloads. Installed updates remain on your computer.

Will Windows recreate the cache?

Yes. Windows automatically creates a new cache whenever future updates are downloaded.

How much space can I recover?

It varies depending on your update history. Some systems recover only a few hundred megabytes, while others may free several gigabytes.

Should I clear the Delivery Optimization cache regularly?

You don’t need to do it frequently, but clearing it occasionally is a good way to reclaim storage and can help resolve certain Windows Update issues.

Conclusion

The Delivery Optimization cache is a useful feature that helps Windows 11 download updates more efficiently, but it can also occupy valuable storage space over time. Fortunately, Windows provides several built-in ways to clear these temporary files safely through Disk Cleanup, Storage Settings, Storage Sense, and other maintenance tools.

If you’re running low on disk space or experiencing Windows Update problems, clearing the Delivery Optimization cache is a quick and safe troubleshooting step. Since Windows recreates the cache only when it’s needed, you can remove these files with confidence while keeping your system updated and running smoothly.