How to Remove Delivery Optimization Files on Windows

What Causes This?

Delivery Optimization is a Windows feature that helps download updates and Microsoft Store apps faster by caching update files on your PC. Over time, those cached files can build up and take several gigabytes of disk space, especially if your system downloads frequent updates or shares update data with other devices on your network or the internet.

The problem usually shows up when Windows does not clear old cache files quickly enough. On smaller SSDs, even a moderate Delivery Optimization cache can noticeably reduce free space and trigger storage warnings.

Common Symptoms

• Your C: drive keeps losing free space after Windows updates
• Storage settings shows a large amount of temporary or update-related files
• Disk Cleanup lists Delivery Optimization Files
• Windows update downloads seem finished, but storage usage stays high
• You get low disk space warnings on a system drive with a small SSD

How to Fix It Manually

1. Delete Delivery Optimization files with Disk Cleanup

   1. Press Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
   2. If prompted, select your C: drive and click OK.
   3. In the list of files to delete, check Delivery Optimization Files.
   4. You can also review other safe cleanup items like Temporary files or DirectX Shader Cache if needed.
   5. Click OK, then click Delete Files.

2. Clear the files from Windows Storage settings

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Storage.
   3. Click Temporary files.
   4. Find and check Delivery Optimization Files.
   5. Click Remove files.

3. Reduce future cache buildup by changing Delivery Optimization settings

   1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
   2. Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
   3. Turn off Allow downloads from other PCs if you do not want Windows sharing update files.
   4. If you want to keep it enabled for local devices only, choose the option limited to devices on my local network instead of internet sharing.

4. Restart the PC after cleanup

   1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
   2. After rebooting, check free space in File Explorer > This PC to confirm the cleanup worked.

5. If the files do not clear, stop and restart the Delivery Optimization service

   1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. Find Delivery Optimization in the list.
   3. Right-click it and choose Restart.
   4. If Restart is not available, click Stop, wait a few seconds, then click Start.
   5. Run Disk Cleanup again.

6. Check for pending Windows updates

   1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Install any pending updates and restart if required.
   3. Sometimes Windows keeps cache files until updates are fully completed.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your PC for Delivery Optimization files, temporary update leftovers, and other space-wasting system junk, then clean them up safely in a few clicks. It also helps reduce future clutter by identifying Windows settings and background services that affect storage and update behavior.

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