Fix Windows Update Cleanup Issue in Windows 11 | Step-by-Step Guide

Common Causes of Windows Update Cleanup Not Deleting Files

Windows Update Cleanup is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files accumulated during the update process. However, if you're experiencing issues where Windows Update Cleanup is not working correctly, it can lead to storage problems and performance issues on your device. In this guide, we'll explore the possible causes of this issue and provide effective solutions to resolve it.

Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand some of the common reasons why Windows Update Cleanup may fail to delete unnecessary files in Windows 11:

1. Corrupted Update Files: If the update files are corrupted or incomplete, Windows Update Cleanup may encounter errors and fail to delete them.
2. Disk Cleanup Utility Issues: Problems with the Disk Cleanup utility itself, such as software glitches or conflicts, can prevent it from performing its cleanup tasks effectively.
3. File System Errors: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or file corruption, may interfere with the cleanup process and prevent files from being deleted.
4. Insufficient Permissions: In some cases, users may not have sufficient permissions to perform cleanup operations, leading to errors or failures.

How to Fix Windows Update Cleanup Issue in Windows 11 Step by Step

Now, let's explore the solutions to fix the Windows Update Cleanup issue:

Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup Utility Manually

One way to address the Windows Update Cleanup problem is to run the Disk Cleanup utility manually. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Windows key + S to open the search bar and type "Disk Cleanup."

2. Select Disk Cleanup from the search results.

3. Choose the drive where Windows is installed (usually C: drive) and click OK.

4. Wait for Disk Cleanup to calculate the amount of space you can free up.

5. Check the box next to "Windows Update Cleanup" and any other categories you want to clean up.

6. Click OK and then click Delete Files to confirm.

Method 2: Use Command Prompt to Run Cleanup

If Disk Cleanup fails to resolve the issue, you can use the Command Prompt to run cleanup operations manually. Here's how:

1. Press Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

3. This will open the Disk Cleanup Settings window. Check the box next to "Windows Update Cleanup" and any other options you want to include.

4. Click OK and then type the following command in the Command Prompt window:

5. Press Enter to run Disk Cleanup with the selected options.

Method 3: Perform System File Checker (SFC) Scan

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that can help repair corrupted system files. Running an SFC scan may resolve underlying issues that are causing Windows Update Cleanup to malfunction. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" from the menu.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

3. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time depending on your system's performance and the size of your storage.

Method 4: Perform Disk Error Checking

Disk errors can interfere with the cleanup process and prevent files from being deleted. Performing a disk error check can help identify and repair any issues with the file system. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Windows key + S to open the search bar and type "Command Prompt."

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator."

3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

4. You'll be prompted to schedule a disk check for the next time you restart your computer. Type Y and press Enter.

5. Restart your computer to initiate the disk check process.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with Windows Update Cleanup not deleting unnecessary files in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided in this guide, you can resolve the problem effectively. Whether you choose to run Disk Cleanup manually, use Command Prompt to perform cleanup operations, run System File Checker scan, or perform disk error checking, you'll be able to optimize your system's performance and free up valuable disk space. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, feel free to leave a comment below, and we'll be happy to assist you.