How to Resolve Issues When Disk Cleanup Gets Stuck While Cleaning Old Windows Update Files? This article focuses on the problem of Disk Cleanup getting stuck during the Windows Update Cleanup process and provides solutions, along with an alternative tool for cleaning up your PC – MiniTool System Booster.

Disk Cleanup Stuck on Windows Update Cleanup

Windows Disk Cleanup is a free built-in Windows utility designed to help you eliminate clutter by clearing out junk files such as downloaded program files, previous Windows installations, and Recycle Bin contents. This helps maintain system performance and ensure smooth operation.

Following the installation of a new Windows update, the system retains older Windows files to allow reverting to a prior version if needed. However, over time, these accumulated old update files can consume significant disk space.

At this point, Windows Update Cleanup within Disk Cleanup can assist in deleting outdated Windows updates. Nevertheless, some users have reported encountering issues where Disk Cleanup becomes stuck while performing the Windows Update Cleanup.

Free Alternative to Disk Cleanup: MiniTool System Booster

For situations where Disk Cleanup encounters difficulties, we recommend using MiniTool System Booster, a free alternative for clearing unnecessary files. This tool allows you to clean up junk files related to Windows, the internet, and the registry, among others, and also offers the ability to fully uninstall unwanted software.

Undoubtedly, MiniTool System Booster is both reliable and powerful. Users can enjoy a 15-day free trial period. With this tool, you'll experience relief from problems associated with Disk Cleanup.

Let’s now explore how to use this booster application to clean up files on Windows 10 or 11.

Step 1. Download and install MiniTool System Booster.

Step 2. Launch the application and navigate to its Performance page.

Step 3. Locate and click on the dropdown menu on the right side, then select Deepclean.

Step 4. Click on the START CLEAN button, which will initiate seven cleanup tasks sequentially.

• NetBooster
• Internet Cleanup
• Windows Cleanup
• Registry Cleanup
• Security Optimizer
• Program Accelerator
• Memory Mechanic

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete these tasks, either optimizing or skipping them.

With just a few simple clicks, you can effectively clean your computer and free up space.

Fix Disk Cleanup Stuck at Windows Update Cleanup

Below are several fixes for addressing the stuck issue. Let’s review them.

1. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

To address Disk Cleanup getting stuck on Windows Update Cleanup, consider removing the SoftwareDistribution folder since the operating system stores all Windows update files there. Here’s how to access and delete this folder.

Step 1. In Windows search, type File Explorer and open it.

Step 2. Copy and paste C:\Windows into the Quick access bar and press Enter.

Step 3. Scroll down slightly to find the SoftwareDistribution folder and open it. Select and delete all the folders or documents inside it.

Also read: Is It Safe to Delete Software Distribution Folder Windows 11?

2. Remove Windows.old Folder via CMD

To facilitate easy access to the previous system version, the Windows operating system saves the earlier OS version as the Windows.old folder. However, in certain cases, this folder might be the cause of Disk Cleanup issues during the Windows Update Cleanup process. Removing this folder could resolve the error.

Step 1. Type cmd in the search bar and run it as an administrator.

Step 2. Copy and paste the commands below one by one and press Enter to execute them.

takeown /F C:Windows.old* /R /A

cacls C:Windows.old*.* /T /grant administrators:F

rmdir /S /Q C:Windows.old*.*

If the error persists, proceed with the remaining fixes.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Using Windows 10 as an example:

Step 1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security.

Step 2. From the left pane, select the Troubleshoot tab and click on Additional Troubleshooters.

Step 3. Choose Windows Update, and click on the Run the troubleshooter button to scan and resolve any issues.

4. Run DISM

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a free built-in tool used to repair corrupted or missing system files. Executing it might resolve the cleanup error. Follow the steps below.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Enter the following commands one by one in the Command Prompt window. These commands will scan and fix any corrupted files causing errors.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Run SFC

SFC (System File Checker) is a utility in Windows that scans for and repairs issues with system files on your computer. It might be a suitable option to troubleshoot the Disk Cleanup stuck on Windows Update Cleanup error. Here’s how to perform it.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run it. It will conduct a system scan and automatically fix any missing or corrupted system files.

6. Start Disk Cleanup on Clean Boot

Occasionally, third-party applications can interfere with the disk cleanup process, leading to errors. Starting with a clean boot might help prevent this issue. Here’s how to run Disk Cleanup on a clean boot.

Step 1. Press Win R to open the Run window, enter msconfig, and press Enter.

Step 2. The System Configuration window will appear. Go to the Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services below and click Disable all.

Step 3. Proceed to Startup and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items and exit Task Manager.

Step 4. Return to System Configuration and click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Step 5. Your device will restart in a clean boot environment. Now you can run Disk Cleanup without issues.

Bottom Line

After reading this detailed guide, you should understand how to fix Disk Cleanup stuck on Windows Update Cleanup. Additionally, to ensure a seamless disk cleanup process, we strongly recommend using the free PC cleaner, MiniTool System Booster.

Please share your feedback or suggestions with us via . We would greatly appreciate it.

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