Changing default download and storage location for Windows updates

Boy Boy 0 Reputation points
2024-01-31T06:01:53.1033333+00:00

I recently discovered that my C drive is nearly full, while my D drive has much more space. However, even though I've set my default download and storage location to the D drive, my Windows updates still go to the C drive. Is there a way to permanently switch the default location for Windows updates to the D drive? Any advice would be appreciated.

Windows Server Storage
Windows Server Storage
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Storage: The hardware and software system used to retain data for subsequent retrieval.
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  1. Marcin Policht 30,040 Reputation points MVP
    2024-09-01T11:30:00.0366667+00:00
    1. Create a Folder on D Drive:
      • Create a folder on your D Drive where you want the updates to be downloaded, for example, D:\WindowsUpdate.
    2. Stop Windows Update Service:
      • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
      • Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
    3. Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder:
      • Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and rename it to SoftwareDistribution.old.
    4. Create Symlink:
      • In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
             mklink /j C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution D:\WindowsUpdate
        
    5. Restart Windows Update Service:
      • Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

    3 people found this answer helpful.

  2. Hania Lian 19,991 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-01-31T07:22:03.9266667+00:00

    Hello, Yes, you can change the default location for Windows updates to the D drive. Here are the steps to do so:

    1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
    2. Click on "Update & Security."
    3. Click on "Advanced options."
    4. Under "Choose where updates are installed," click on the drop-down menu and select "D:."
    5. Check the box that says "New apps will save to:" and select "D:."
    6. Close the Settings app. Or I suggest you refer to the solution in this link: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-change-windows-10-updates-download-location/af61b88d-ec62-4e76-9a61-6f5b8ce4954a?page=1 Hope it helps. Best Regards,
      Hania Lian ============================================ If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
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