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How to Delete Delivery Optimization Files in Windows 10

Save disk space on your PC

By Aaron Peters Aaron Peters Writer Villanova University Aaron Peters is a writer with Lifewire who has 20+ years experience troubleshooting and writing about consumer and business technology. His work appears in Linux Journal, MakeUseOf, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide

What to Know

Start > Disk Cleanup > Delivery Optimization Files > OK.To disable delivery optimization: Settings > Updates & Security > Delivery Optimization and set Allow downloads from other PCs to Off. Delivery Optimization adjusts the bandwidth your system uses to install and update files. You may want to delete its files or turn the feature off completely to have more control over downloads and save disk space.

How to Remove Delivery Optimization Files

Take the following steps to remove optimization files: Click the Start menu, and find the Disk Cleanup application. Select the Delivery Optimization Files check box to include them in the cleanup operation. Deselect other types of files as desired. Click the OK button to execute. Once the process completes, all your disk space is returned to you.

Disabling Delivery Optimization

If you want no part of this Delivery Optimization malarkey, you can also disable it altogether. Press Win+x and select Settings in the menu. Select Updates & Security. Select Delivery Optimization in the left panel. Flip the Allow downloads from other PCs switch to off.

What Are Delivery Optimization Files

When it issues upgrades to Windows 10, Microsoft publishes the files containing the updates to its servers. As many Windows installations are set to update automatically, the result is millions of requests to download the update files. The same applies to apps that Microsoft serves up in the Windows Store. Delivery Optimization Files are copies or "caches" of these files on the PCs of users, in addition to Microsoft's own copies. When your machine downloads the update files, it may actually be grabbing the copies stashed on another user's Windows 10 PC. This means not only reduced strain on Redmond's servers, but faster downloads for you. Much like peer-to-peer applications like BitTorrent, your machine can fetch from the quickest source. This can include other sources in your immediate area, or even your local network.

Are Delivery Optimization Files Affecting My Security

The thought of some stranger lifting files off your PC may seem scary. But there's a couple reasons this isn't anything to worry about: Microsoft has taken extra measures to ensure other PCs can only access the update files themselves. This feature is baked in at the OS level, and enjoys the same level of security as Windows proper.There are also steps to make sure your privacy is safe. This feature only sends or receives the same files you'd get from Microsoft, never any of your own.Finally, peer-to-peer technology has been around for some time, so this isn't any more risky than the BitTorrent client you use to download your favorite open source software. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows How to Use the Sync Center in Windows 10 How to Use Free Up Space, an Alternative to Disk Cleanup in Windows 10 Smart Defrag Review (v8) How to Check Free Hard Drive Space (Windows 11, 10, 8, +) 8 Best Free Disk Space Analyzer Tools How to Remove Junk Files From Windows 11 Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookies How to Upgrade From Windows 10 Home to Pro Windows 10 Home vs. Windows 10 Pro How to Resume a Windows 10 Upgrade How to Run Android Apps on Windows 10 How to Factory Reset a Lenovo Laptop How to Create and Delete User Accounts in Windows 10 The 10 Best Ways to Optimize Windows 10 How to Switch out of S Mode in Windows 10 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies