How to delete pending updates on Windows 11

Q: Can I use Command Prompt instead of File Explorer to delete pending updates?

Yes. You can stop the Windows Update Service and use the del command to remove the contents of the SoftwareDistribution\Download folder directly from the Command Prompt.

Q: What happens after I delete the pending update files?

After deleting the files, Windows Update will create a new "Download" folder automatically and check for updates again. This ensures you get fresh copies of the update files.

To delete Windows 11 pending updates, open File Explorer and navigate to the “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download” path, select the files, and delete them.
You can also use Command Prompt to complete this process.
Once you complete the steps, check for updates one more time.

UPDATED 11/5/2025: On Windows 11, you can remove pending updates by deleting the contents of the “Download” folder inside the “SoftwareDistribution” folder that contains the files that Windows Update uses to apply system updates.

Usually, updates fail to install due to bugs, compatibility issues, or file corruption. If a cumulative update is causing issues during installation or users report issues with a specific patch, you can delete pending updates to redownload the files or prevent the system from trying to install them.

In this guide, I will show you how to delete pending updates on Windows 11.

Remove pending updates on Windows 11 using File Explorer
Remove pending updates on Windows 11 using Command Prompt
FAQs about deleting pending updates on Windows 11

Remove pending updates on Windows 11 using File Explorer

To delete Windows 11 pending updates, follow these steps:

Open File Explorer on Windows 11.
Type the following path in the address bar and press Enter:
```
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
```
Select all the folders and files (“Ctrl + A” or choose the “Select all” option from the “See more” menu) inside the “Download” folder.
Click the Delete button to delete pending updates on Windows 11.

Once you complete the steps, the available files for any pending updates on Windows 11 will be removed from the device.

If you have to block a specific update after deleting the files, use the “Show or hide updates” tool to prevent Windows Update from downloading the packages again. These steps should also work to remove pending feature updates.

Remove pending updates on Windows 11 using Command Prompt

To delete Windows 11 pending updates from Command Prompt, follow these steps:

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt (or Terminal), right-click the result, and choose the Run as administrator option.
Type this command to stop the Windows Update Service and press Enter: net stop wuauserv
```
net stop wuauserv
```
Type this command to delete the pending update files from the “Download” folder and press Enter:
```
rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
```
Type this command to enable the Windows Update Service and press Enter:
```
net start wuauserv
```

After you complete the steps, the pending updates will be removed, and the system will automatically recreate the “Download” folder.

FAQs about deleting pending updates on Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about deleting pending updates on Windows 11.

What are pending updates in Windows 11?

Pending updates are downloaded Windows Update files that are waiting to be installed on your computer. These files are stored in the “SoftwareDistribution” folder until the installation process begins.

Is it safe to delete pending updates on Windows 11?

Yes. Deleting pending updates is safe because the operating system will redownload any necessary files the next time you check for updates. This process only removes incomplete or corrupted update data.

Why would I need to delete pending updates?

You might need to delete pending updates if a Windows Update fails to install, gets stuck during download, or causes system instability. Removing the pending files can help resolve these problems and allow updates to reinstall correctly.

Will deleting pending updates remove installed updates?

No. Deleting pending updates only affects downloaded files that haven’t been installed yet. Installed updates remain on your system.

Can I use Command Prompt instead of File Explorer to delete pending updates?

Yes. You can stop the Windows Update Service and use the del command to remove the contents of the SoftwareDistribution\Download folder directly from the Command Prompt.

What happens after I delete the pending update files?

After deleting the files, Windows Update will create a new “Download” folder automatically and check for updates again. This ensures you get fresh copies of the update files.

How do I prevent a specific update from reinstalling?

You can use Microsoft’s “Show or hide updates” troubleshooter to block a specific update after removing pending update files, preventing Windows from downloading that patch again.

Update November 5, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.