Exploring the Storage Location of Old Windows 10 Updates- A Comprehensive Guide

Where is Windows 10 Old Updates Stored?

Windows 10, being one of the most popular operating systems in the world, receives regular updates to enhance its performance, security, and features. However, many users are often curious about where these updates are stored on their computers. In this article, we will discuss the location of old updates in Windows 10 and provide you with a step-by-step guide to find them.

Understanding the Update Storage Location

When you install updates on Windows 10, they are typically stored in the following locations:

1. Windows Update Cache: This is the primary location where Windows 10 stores old updates. The cache is usually located in the following directory: `C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution`.
2. Windows Update Backup: In addition to the cache, Windows 10 also keeps a backup of updates in case they need to be restored. This backup is stored in the `C:\Windows\Backup` directory.
3. System Restore Points: When you create a system restore point, Windows 10 also saves updates in the restore point files. These files are stored in the `C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache` directory.

Locating Old Updates in Windows 10

To find old updates in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer: Press `Win + E` to open the File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder: In the File Explorer, type `C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution` in the address bar and press `Enter`.
3. Explore the contents: You will see several folders and files within the SoftwareDistribution directory. These folders represent the different update categories, such as `amd64`, `x86`, and `wow64`.
4. Search for update files: Look for files with the `.cab` extension, as these are the update files. You can use the search function in File Explorer to find specific update files by name.

Removing Old Updates

If you want to remove old updates from your Windows 10 system, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press `Win + X` and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
2. Enter the following command: `dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup`
3. Restart your computer: The system will restart and remove the old updates.

In conclusion, Windows 10 stores old updates in the SoftwareDistribution and Backup directories, as well as in system restore points. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can locate and manage these updates on your computer.