How to Clear the Delivery Optimization cache in Windows 11

Clearing the Delivery Optimization cache in Windows 11 removes temporary files used to speed up downloads.

The Delivery Optimization cache stores parts of downloaded updates for Windows and Microsoft apps. This cache sometimes grabs download parts from other PCs on your network to save you data and time, acting like a temporary storage bin for these download bits.

Windows 11 usually cleans this cache automatically. However, if you need to free up disk space immediately, you can manually clear these files.

Step-by-Step: Using Disk Cleanup

You can clear the Delivery Optimization cache using the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 11. This handy tool finds and removes temporary files you no longer need. To start, open the search bar on your taskbar, type ‘Disk Cleanup’, and select the app from the search results.

1. Open 🔍 the Search Bar: Look for 🔍 the search icon on 🖥️ your taskbar, usually near the ⊞ Start button. Click it.
2. Type “Disk Cleanup”: In 🔍 the search bar that appears, type Disk Cleanup. You will see the Disk Cleanup app in 🔍 the search results.
3. Launch the App: Click on the Disk Cleanup app from 🔍 the search results to open it.
4. Select the Drive: A small window will open asking you to choose which drive to clean. Most of the time, you’ll want to pick your main Windows drive, which is usually labeled C:. Click OK after you select the drive.
5. Wait for Analysis: Disk Cleanup will now scan your chosen drive to see what files it can remove. This might take a minute or two.
6. Find Delivery Optimization Files: After the scan finishes, another window will show different types of files you can delete. Look through this list for an item called Delivery Optimization Files. Make sure to put a checkmark in the box next to it.
7. Confirm Deletion: After checking the box for Delivery Optimization Files (and any other items you want to remove), click the OK button at the bottom of the window.
8. Final Confirmation: A message box will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete these files. Click Delete Files to continue.
9. Let it Finish: Disk Cleanup will now remove the files you selected, including the contents of your Delivery Optimization cache. This might take a while, depending on how much data is being removed and how fast your computer is.
   

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Deployment/Updates-Lifecycle/delivery-optimization-in-windows

Summary

Clearing the Delivery Optimization cache helps free up space on your hard drive in Windows 11. You can do this easily with the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. Just search for ‘Disk Cleanup’, pick your main Windows drive, check the box for ‘Delivery Optimization Files’, and confirm to delete these temporary files.