Disk Cleanup Stuck on Windows Update Cleanup: How to Fix It

Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows utility designed to help users free up storage space by removing unnecessary files, such as temporary files, system cache, and old Windows updates. However, many users encounter an issue where Disk Cleanup gets stuck on Windows Update Cleanup. This problem can be frustrating as it prevents the cleanup process from completing, leaving unnecessary files and consuming valuable storage space.

In this article, we will introduce alternative solutions to fix this issue and guide you through step-by-step methods. We will also discuss a safer and more efficient tool to clean up your PC.

Windows PC Disk Cleanup: A Safer Alternative

If Disk Cleanup gets stuck, a more reliable and efficient alternative is to use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This powerful software includes a PC Cleaner feature that thoroughly scans and classifies junk files on your computer, ensuring complete and quick cleanup: 

• Safe and Secure: Unlike traditional cleanup tools, AOMEI Partition Assistant ensures no essential system files are deleted.
• Fast and Efficient: It automates the process to save time and effort.
• Feature-Rich: In addition to cleaning junk files, it can help you delete large files and manage disk partitions effortlessly.

As a full-featured disk management, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides to useful tools that can replace Windows PC disk cleanup: PC Cleaner and Delete Large Files. Let's see how it works.

Guide 1. Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to Clean Junk Files:

AOMEI Partition Assistant provides PC Cleaner to automatically detects and categorize all types of junk files, such as temporary files, cache, and log files.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant on your computer.

Step 2. Launch the software and select PC Cleaner under the Free up option from the main interface.

Step 3. Click Start Scan to start identifying junk files.

Step 4. Once the scan is complete, review the results, select the files you want to clean, and click Clean All to remove the junk files completely.

Step 5. All the process is done when you see the icon. Click "Back" and you can enjoy a clean computer now.

AOMEI Partition Assistant provides "Delete Large Files" to locates and deletes unnecessary large files to free up additional storage space.

Open AOMEI Partition Assistant and select Delete Large Files.

Choose the target drive to scan for large files.

Using AOMEI Partition Assistant guarantees a safer and faster way to clean your PC compared to the default Disk Cleanup utility.

Fix Disk Cleanup Stuck on Windows Update Cleanup

If you prefer to stick with Disk Cleanup but encounter the "stuck" issue, follow the methods below to resolve it:

1. Manually Delete the Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder stores temporary update files. Clearing it can help resolve the issue.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Stop.
• Open C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all the contents of this folder.
• Restart the Windows Update service.

2. Manually Delete Windows.old Folder Contents

The Windows.old folder contains old Windows files, which might cause Disk Cleanup to hang.

• Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows.old.
• Delete all files within the Windows.old folder.
• Use Disk Cleanup again to verify if the issue is resolved.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix Windows Update issues.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

4. Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

DISM can repair corrupted Windows update files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Allow the process to complete, then restart your PC.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

SFC scans for and repairs corrupted system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

• sfc /scannow

• Wait for the process to finish and restart your PC.

6. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use third-party tools like AOMEI Partition Assistant or Windows utilities to fix system file corruption if SFC and DISM fail.

7. Run Disk Cleanup in Clean Boot Mode

A clean boot ensures no third-party services interfere with Disk Cleanup.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
• Restart your PC and run Disk Cleanup again.

Conclusion

Disk Cleanup stuck on Windows Update Cleanup is a common issue, but it can be resolved using the above solutions. If you are looking for a faster and more reliable alternative, AOMEI Partition Assistant provides a comprehensive PC Cleaner and large file deletion tool to optimize your computer effectively.

FAQs About Disk Cleanup Stuck on Windows Update Cleanup

Q1: Why is purging Windows Update Cleanup stuck?

It may be due to corrupted Windows Update files or conflicts with system processes.

Q2: How do I fix a stuck Disk Cleanup?

You can manually delete Software Distribution files, run DISM, or use the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Q3: Why won't Windows Update Cleanup delete?

Windows Update Cleanup may fail due to permission issues, file corruption, or incomplete updates.

Q4: How long does it take to clean Windows Update Cleanup?

The time varies based on file size and system performance. It typically takes a few minutes but can take longer if there are many updates.