Windows Delivery Optimization is a peer-to-peer update mechanism designed to reduce bandwidth usage by downloading updates from multiple sources, including other PCs on the local network or the internet. While useful in theory, Delivery Optimization can accumulate a significant amount of cached data over time, unnecessarily consuming disk space.
This article explains the most effective approaches to cleaning Delivery Optimization files in Windows and preventing them from reappearing.
Step 1. Clean Delivery Optimization Files
Primary method: Clear Delivery Optimization Cache Using Disk Cleanup
- Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and run it as administrator .
- Select the system drive (usually C:) and click OK.
- In the list of Files to delete, check Delivery Optimization Files.
- Click OK, then select Delete Files to confirm.
This removes Delivery Optimization cached update files, but the cache may reappear after future Windows updates.
Advanced method: Clear Windows Delivery Optimization Files Using Wise Care 365
Wise Care 365 provides an automated and faster way to clean Delivery Optimization files along with other system junk. It also detects more leftover system files than Disk Cleanup does.
- Download and install the latest Wise Care 365 version.
- Launch the software.
- Click the System Cleaner tab.
- Select Common Cleaner from the left pane.
- The Windows Delivery Optimization Files option is selected by default, so just begin the Scan process.
- Click Clean to delete Delivery Optimization files and other system junks .
Step 2. Disable Delivery Optimization Permanently
If you want to restrict and prevent the delivery optimization cache from returning again, here is what to do:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Click Delivery Optimization.
- Turn off Allow downloads from other devices.
Conclusion
Delivery Optimization can quietly consume gigabytes of disk space, especially on systems that update frequently. By combining cleanup with prevention, you ensure that Delivery Optimization no longer impacts your storage or system performance unnecessarily.
