If Windows Update isn’t working, it could be caused by a problem with the SoftwareDistribution folder, deleting or renaming this folder may fix the problem. Here is how to do it
The Software Distribution folder contains temporary Windows Updates files. Under typical situations you should leave this folder alone. But sometimes you might need to change the name to fix problems. Example, If Windows Update isn’t working, it could be caused by a problem with the SoftwareDistribution folder.
How to rename the ‘SoftwareDistribution’ folder on Windows 10 / windows 11 and make updates happen again?
Rename Software Distribution Folder
Type Command Prompt in the Search menu. Then right-click it to choose Run as administrator:
Run the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
net start wuauserv
net start bits
Alternative Method
Using Safe mode
Press Win + R to open Run dialog.
Type
msconfig
and hit Enter.
Under the Boot tab, click on Safe boot and select Minimal.
Click Apply and OK.
Rename the folder using cmd as shown in the guide above.
Published on: Aug 8, 2022-Last edited: 24-02-2024