11-05-2021

What Is Software Distribution Datastore

On Windows 10, the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder is an essential component for Windows Update, which temporarily stores files needed to install new updates to keep your device secure and with the. DataStore.edb  is a legitimate Windows log file that keeps track of all Windows Updates applied to the system. DataStore.edb log will grow in size or every Windows Update check. Just wondering if it is necessary to stop the 'Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service' before deleting the contents in the 'Download' folder as I have seen this in another article, where the writer stops these services before deletion, then starts them up again all via command prompt.

It would seem that this forum may be the best to ask this question - or perhaps Windows in general.

How big is your's - the Software Distribution Folder in C: Windows, I mean of course?

In particular the .edb sub file.

There have seen various sizes reported for example -

C:WINDOWSSoftwareDistributionDataStore.edb file.

Mine has 600MB[possibly the whole folder]

I have six .edb log files, all at 128kb.

TheData Store itself is 10MB.

My .edb file is about 111 MB.

Software

Before I cleaned mine was 170MB

Mine - logs folder 520 KB
DataStore.edb 143 MB

Distribution

My main folder - Software Distribution Folder – 436MB Total.

These are the big ones.

Data Store- 162MB

Event Cache- 1.82MB

Download270MB

Included with these figures there have been one or two that have reported past probs. eg cant get restore points to work etc.

I am also aware that in addition to the Black Tuesday entries in Syst Rest, Security Essentials[which I use] puts them in the Syst Rest everytime it updates - once or twice a day.

The resolution for most, is to add it to CCleaner custom files and folders.But can any of these be cleared manually????

Rgds

Damascus

Software Distribution Downloads



On Windows 10, the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder is an essential component for Windows Update, which temporarily stores files needed to install new updates to keep your device secure and with the latest fixes and improvements.

This folder is maintained by the WUAgent (Windows Update Agent), and typically, it should be left alone, but there will be times when you may need to clear its content manually in the case the Datastore and Download folders aren't synchronized, and it's preventing Windows Update from applying new updates to your PC.

Usually, if you're having trouble with Windows Update, or after updates have been applied, it's safe to empty the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder. Windows 10 will always re-download all the necessary files, or re-create the folder and re-download all the components, if removed.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. As an alternative option, we'll also show you the steps to rename the folder, in case you only want to test if the folder's content is the one causing problems.

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:WindowsSoftwareDistribution

  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

Once you completed the steps, Windows 10 will reconfigure the folder and re-download all the necessary components.

How to rename the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder

If you don't want to delete the content inside of the folder, you can alternatively, rename the folder to troubleshoot Windows Update problems.

To rename 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. Type the following command to rename the folder and press Enter:

    rename %windir%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

    Quick Tip: If the command isn't letting you rename the folder, try steps No. 3 and 4 one more time, and then try to rename the folder.

  7. Type the following command to start the Windows Update Service and press Enter:

    net start wuauserv

  8. Type the following command to start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:

    net start bits

After you've completed the steps, Windows 10 will re-create the folder and re-download all the necessary components.

The only caveat with this process is that the SoftwareDistribution folder also includes the Windows Update history information, which means that emptying up the folder will result in loss of this data. In addition, you'll notice that Windows Update will take longer than usual to detect and update your computer because the WUAgent must check and re-create the Datastore information. However, it's a small price to pay to get your device to update again.

Softwaredistribution Datastore

While sometimes the folder may grow, it's only recommended to use these instructions only when necessary. You shouldn't mess with the SoftwareDistribution folder to free up storage space on your computer.

Software Distribution Datastore Edb

More Windows 10 resources

How To Delete Software Distribution Folder

For more help articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources: