Windows 10: How do I delete downloaded optional updates?

I accidentally downloaded an optional update last time for windows 10 and that bricked my pc, so I gave it a new windows installer. Now I did so again but is there any way to delete and cancel the update while it hasn't installed itself yet?

:)

 

Unable to delete a folder - Invalid folder name


Suggestion:

1. Run chkdsk x: /r to make sure that there's no HD corruption.
   x: is the drive containing the folder you want to delete.
2. Try to delete the folder again. If still does not work, go to step 3.
3. Download: Download - Linux Mint and create a bootable USB using: Rufus - Create bootable USB
4. Boot up with Linux Mint and try to delete the folder again.
   NOTE: Unlike WinPE. Linux does not have any Windows permission imposed to it so it is easier to delete.

 

Windows 10 update stuck at starting download

Following these steps are the most commonly successful fix to that issue:

1. Open an admin command prompt
   
2. Type net stop wuauserv
   
3. Type net stop bits
   
4. Delete this directory: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
   
5. Reboot. If you were unable to delete the directory in step 4 boot into safe mode and finish deletion there.
   
6. Boot into Windows and restart update.
   

If this does not work there are other methods to try that I can detail if needed. In summary these are:

1. Windows update troubleshooter ( occasionally works)
   
2. Run sfc /scannow as admin. Resolve identified issues if any, redo steps at top
   
3. Admit defeat, just download the ISO installer and manually kick off the update.
   
4. Admit defeat, format drive and install the exciting new Fedora 24 beta!
   

 

Deleting Windows 10 download BEFORE installing it

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

• Have downloaded Windows 10 through Windows Updates?

If you have downloaded through Windows Updates, follow the below steps to delete:

All the downloaded updated would be saved in the 'Software Distribution folder'.

Step1: Stop Automatic Updates

• 
  Press Windows key + X.
  
• 
  Select Search
  
• 
  Type in services.msc and hit Enter.
  
• 
  Double-click on Automatic Updates
  
• 
  Click on Stop
  

Step 2: Delete the downloaded file

• 
  Press Windows key + X.
  
• 
  Select Sesarch
  
• 
  Type in %windir%\SoftwareDistribution
  
• 
  Open the Download folder and delete its contents
  

Step 3: If you have downloaded the .ISO file follow the below steps

a) Click Windows + C on the
keyboard.

b) Click on Download
folder in the left pane.

c) Now you may delete the files.

You may refer the link for additional information:

Delete files using Disk Cleanup

Windows help & learning - Microsoft Support

Let us know if you have any further query on Windows, we are glad to assist you.