The recent Windows 11 update, 24H2, was anticipated to bring exciting enhancements and features, but it has instead turned into a major headache for many users. Since its rollout, a plethora of problems has arisen, overshadowing the positive changes. Users are reporting issues ranging from blue screen crashes linked to gaming and Intel drivers to mysteriously disappearing mouse cursors. A particularly frustrating problem has emerged concerning the massive cache folder created during the installation process. This folder, a staggering 8.63GB in size, can consume a significant portion of storage on all but the largest drives.
On October 16, 2024, Microsoft acknowledged this troublesome cache issue, clarifying that it is merely a reporting error. The company reassured users that while the files created during the Windows Update Cleanup are indeed deleted, the Disk Cleanup tool mistakenly displays that storage space is still being occupied. Microsoft is actively working on a resolution for this glitch.
While it is normal for Windows to create a cache of installation files during updates, the inability to delete this cache after the update is not typical behavior. Reports have indicated that users attempting to clear the cache via the Control Panel met with failure; despite initiating the deletion process, the cache stubbornly remains intact. Other methods also proved ineffective, with the only solution being a complete reinstallation of Windows to regain that storage space.
Microsoft has confirmed awareness of the bug through multiple reports on the Feedback Hub, with users sharing their frustrations: “I’ve tried cleanup several times, and even SFC Scannow didn’t help. It seems like a bug that needs fixing.” Another user noted, “I used Disk Cleanup, but it still shows almost 9GB of space being taken up.” Microsoft is expected to release a patch to rectify this issue in a forthcoming update, so for now, it’s advisable to refrain from attempting to delete the Windows Update cache manually. The hassle of reinstalling Windows is likely not worth the effort just to clear these files.
