Windows 11 updates are massive, often downloading gigabytes of data every month. To speed up the process for people with slow internet, Microsoft uses a peer-to-peer technology called “Delivery Optimization.” If you download a Windows Update, your computer secretly stores those installation files and uploads them in the background to other computers on your local network (or even the internet).
While this is helpful for Microsoft’s servers, this hidden cache of installation files can secretly consume 5GB to 10GB of your precious C: drive space. Once your computer is fully updated, you no longer need these files. You can safely erase this hidden peer-to-peer cache to instantly reclaim gigabytes of storage.
How to Safely Erase the Windows 11 Delivery Optimization Cache
You must use the modern Windows 11 Settings app to safely flush the hidden update files.
- Click the Start button and select the gear icon to open Settings (or press Windows Key + I).
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.
- In the main pane, click on Storage.
- Windows will take a moment to scan your hard drive. Look for the category labeled Temporary files and click on it.
- You will now see a detailed breakdown of the junk data on your PC.
- Look specifically for the checkbox labeled Delivery Optimization Files. (You will likely see that it is consuming several gigabytes of space).
- Check the box next to Delivery Optimization Files. (You can also safely check “Windows Update Cleanup” if it is present).
- Click the Remove files button at the top of the list.
Windows will securely wipe the hidden cache of peer-to-peer update files. This process is completely safe; it will not uninstall any updates or break your computer. It simply stops your PC from acting as a file server for Microsoft, giving you your hard drive space back.