Windows Update Delivery Optimization: How It Works & How to Disable It (2025 Guide)

What is Delivery Optimization

Windows Update Delivery Optimization is a feature designed to help your computer download updates and apps more efficiently. Instead of pulling everything directly from Microsoft’s servers, your PC can also get parts of updates from other computers on your local network, or even from other PCs on the internet, similar to peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.

Pros:

• Faster Downloads: Updates can be delivered more quickly, especially if multiple PCs in your home or office need the same files.
• Reduced Bandwidth Usage: If one computer has already downloaded an update, others can fetch it from that machine, saving your internet bandwidth.

Cons:

• Higher Data Usage: If your PC is set to share updates over the internet, it may use your upload bandwidth to send parts of updates to others.
• Privacy Concerns: Some users might feel uneasy knowing their computer could be sharing files with unknown devices online.
• Resource Usage: Delivery Optimization can sometimes use additional disk space and system resources in the background.

Is It Safe to Delete Cached Update Files?

The files stored by Delivery Optimization are temporary update files and download fragments. Deleting these cached files is generally safe. Windows will simply re-download any updates it still needs. Removing these files can help free up disk space, especially if you're running low. It won't harm your system or stop future updates.

Clear Delivery Optimization Files with Disk Cleanup

1. Open the Disk Cleanup tool (search for it in the Start menu).

2. Select the system drive (usually C:).

3. In the list, check Delivery Optimization Files.

4. Click OK to delete the files.

This will clear both cached update files and related logs. If you want to manually remove delivery optimization cached files, you can go to the following folder and delete the contents, but using Disk Cleanup is safer and recommended.

C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization\

How to Turn Off Delivery Optimization

If you’d rather not use Delivery Optimization, you can easily disable or adjust its settings:

1. Press the Windows logo key + I on the keyboard to open Settings.

2. Click Windows Update on the left, and click Advanced options on the right.

3. Select Delivery Optimization.

4. Here, you can turn off the option that allows downloads from other PCs.

For more control, you can limit how much bandwidth is used, or restrict sharing to just PCs on your local network.

If you want to fully disable the Windows update delivery optimization, you can stop the Delivery Optimization service (DoSvc) using the Services management tool, or use Group Policy if you have Windows Pro or Enterprise.

FAQ

1. Does Delivery Optimization slow down my internet?

Delivery Optimization is designed to minimize any impact on your internet connection by running in the background and using bandwidth efficiently. However, if you have the option “Allow downloads from other PCs on the Internet” enabled, your computer may use both your download and upload bandwidth to share updates with other people online. 

If you notice slower internet speeds during Windows updates, check your Delivery Optimization settings and adjust the options to fit your needs.

2. Is my data secure when sharing updates?

Yes, your data is safe. Delivery Optimization only shares encrypted, digitally signed update files from Microsoft, never your documents, photos, or sensitive information.

If you’re concerned about privacy, restrict sharing to your local network or turn off Delivery Optimization altogether.

3. Can I set a bandwidth limit?

Yes, Windows lets you control how much bandwidth Delivery Optimization uses for both downloading and uploading updates. This is especially helpful if you have a limited data plan or a slower internet connection. 

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization > Download options and Upload options.

Bottom Line

Delivery Optimization is a smart way for Windows to speed up updates and lighten the load on your internet connection by sharing update files between computers. While it offers advantages like faster downloads and less internet usage, some users may be concerned about privacy or data consumption. Deleting cached files is safe, and cleaning up logs is simple with Windows’ built-in tools. If you find Delivery Optimization unnecessary, you can easily turn it off in the system settings.