Question
Issue: How to fix Disk Cleanup will not remove Windows Update Cleanup?
Hello. I tried using Disk Cleanup to remove Windows Update Cleanup, but it does not work. How can I fix it?
Solved Answer
Recently, some users encountered a new issue in Windows 11. The problem involves the Disk Cleanup feature in Windows. One user describes wanting to remove about 2 GB of Windows Update files using Disk Cleanup but failing. The user said that the process seems like it works, but it does not actually delete files, or it is a bug where the files are deleted, but Windows does not recognize it.
It is unknown why this may be happening. Some suggested that it could be caused by third-party antivirus interference or a Windows update.[1] A few people also found a couple of workarounds to get rid of the issue – deleting the shadow copies or reinstalling Windows.
In this guide, you will find 6 steps that may help you fix the Disk Cleanup will not remove Windows Update Cleanup problem. If you want to avoid a lengthy troubleshooting process, you can also use a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[2] corrupted files, and registry[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below carefully to fix the Disk Cleanup issue.
Method 1. Uninstall Third-Party Security Software
Third-Party antivirus often conflicts with Windows processes, so try removing it to see if it resolves the issue.
- Go to your Apps & Features
- Find your antivirus program in the list
- Click on it and press Uninstall
- Wait for the process to finish and try to remove Windows Update Cleanup again
Method 2. Uninstall the KB3194798 Update
- In Settings, from the left sidebar, select Windows Update
- On the Windows Update page, click Update History
- From the Related Settings section, choose Uninstall Updates
- To remove the KB3194798 update, select it in the list and then click Uninstall
- Click Yes in the prompt to continue
Method 3. Delete the SoftwareDistribution_1 Folder
- Type Services in the Search menu and open Windows Services
- Scroll down to find the Windows Update service
- Right-click on it and select Stop
- Now launch File Explorer
- Go to This PC, then Local Disc (C:)
- Find the Windows folder and then SoftwareDistribution
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution_1
- Restart your PC
- Go back to the Windows folder
- You will notice that there are two Software Distribution folders
- Delete the SoftwareDistribution_1 folder
- This should let you clear out the Update folder
Method 4. Delete Shadow Copies
- Find the Command Prompt in the Start menu and press Run as Administrator
- Type vssadmin delete shadows /all and press Enter
- Type Y when prompted and follow the instructions
Method 5. Repair Install Windows
- Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 Installation Media
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC
- Select your USB drive
- Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive
- Click Finish
- On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer
- Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe
- Accept the license terms on the next screen
- Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept
- Click Install, and the upgrade should start
Method 6. Contact Support and wait for a Fix
- Go to the Microsoft Support page and write about your problem
- If the issue is common, there is a big chance that Microsoft will fix it
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Gabriel E. Hall is an expert troubleshooter who has been working in the information technology industry for years.
- ^ Woody Leonhard. Problems continue with Windows 10 Anniversary Update 1607, KB 3194798. Computerworld. Operating System News.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Tech Insight Magazine.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Software and Apps.
