How to clear the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder

To delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder, do the following:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type the following command to stop the Windows Update Service and press Enter:net stop wuauserv
  4. Type the following command to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:net stop bits
  5. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  6. Open File Explorer and browse the following path:C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  7. Select all its content and click the Delete button to clear the content.Quick Tip: In the case, you're having trouble deleting all the files, simply restart your computer, and try again.
  8. On Command Prompt, type the following command to start the Windows Update Service and press Enter:net start wuauserv
  9. Type the following command to start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:net start bits
  10. Once you completed the steps, Windows 10 will reconfigure the folder and re-download all the necessary components.