How to Reset the SoftwareDistribution Folder on Windows 11

Posted: 2023-11-06
By: dwirch
Viewed: 21

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Windows 11, Tip, Tutorial

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If you're a Windows 11 user, you might encounter issues related to Windows Update, such as slow download speeds, update failures, or errors. One of the common solutions to resolve these problems is resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder contains essential files for Windows Update. By resetting it, you can often resolve Windows Update issues and ensure your system stays up to date. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to reset the SoftwareDistribution folder on your Windows 11 PC.

Why Reset the SoftwareDistribution Folder?

Over time, the SoftwareDistribution folder can accumulate corrupted or outdated files, causing Windows Update to malfunction. Resetting this folder can help eliminate these issues and improve the reliability of the update process.

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Service

Before you can reset the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to stop the Windows Update service.  Press Win + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" to open the terminal with administrative privileges. Type the following command and press Enter:

net stop wuauserv

Step 2: Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

The BITS service is closely related to Windows Update and needs to be stopped as well. In the same administrative command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

net stop bits

Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Now, you'll need to rename the existing SoftwareDistribution folder to ensure Windows creates a new one. Here's how:

• Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. You can do this by opening File Explorer and typing the path into the address bar.
• Locate the "SoftwareDistribution" folder.
• Right-click on the "SoftwareDistribution" folder, and select "Rename." You can change the name to "SoftwareDistribution.old" or any other name you prefer.

Step 4: Restart Windows Update and BITS Services

After renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder, it's time to restart the services we stopped earlier. In the administrative command prompt. Type the following command and press Enter to start the Windows Update service:

net start wuauserv

Next, start the BITS service with this command:

net start bits

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Now that you've reset the SoftwareDistribution folder, you can check for Windows updates again. Here's how:

• Press Win + I to open the Windows 11 Settings.
• Go to "Windows Update."
• Click on "Check for updates."

Windows will now attempt to download and install updates using the newly created SoftwareDistribution folder.

Conclusion

Resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder on your Windows 11 PC can help resolve Windows Update issues and ensure your system stays secure and up to date. It's a relatively simple process that can save you from various update-related headaches. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to keep your Windows 11 system running smoothly and efficiently.

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