The arrival of Windows 11 24H2 has been generally positive, featuring fewer major issues than prior updates. Yet, a rather peculiar bug has emerged: an undeletable 8.63 GB Windows update cache that has been troubling users since the update's rollout. If you're scratching your head wondering how a seemingly simple cache problem can lead to such a hefty storage headache, let's break it down.
Upon installing Windows 11 24H2, users have encountered an unexpected issue where the update process leaves behind an imposing 8.63 GB cache that can't be cleared via standard methods like Disk Cleanup or Storage Settings. Many Windows users have turned to these tools seeking to free up space, only to find their efforts thwarted.
In summary, the Windows 11 24H2 update brought not just enhancements but also a thorny issue in the form of an undeletable cache that has left users distressed. While you wait for Microsoft to roll out a fix, you can explore discussions in community forums or simply embrace the quirks of your system—after all, isn’t that part of the Windows experience?
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 issue creates undeletable 8.63 GB Windows update cache
Upon installing Windows 11 24H2, users have encountered an unexpected issue where the update process leaves behind an imposing 8.63 GB cache that can't be cleared via standard methods like Disk Cleanup or Storage Settings. Many Windows users have turned to these tools seeking to free up space, only to find their efforts thwarted.![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="384px" width="512px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
The Evidence is in the Cleanup Tools
Users have reported similar frustrations:- Disk Cleanup Fails: Attempts to remove the update cache using Disk Cleanup have been unsuccessful, leaving the stubborn 8.63 GB displayed without any reduction in actual space used. Even the Windows Update Cleanup option in Disk Cleanup fails to make a dent.
- Folder Deletions Ineffective: Deleting files in the Software Distribution folder and removing the
windows.oldfolder don’t yield results. A repair install of Windows 11 also doesn't resolve the issue; only a clean install appears to eliminate the cache.
SFC /Scannow, and still seeing the cache persist.Technical Underpinnings: Why This Cache Exists
At the heart of the issue lies a new Windows feature known as checkpoint updates. This system attempts to shorten update sizes by building them from the last checkpoint instead of the original release. Essentially, it's a refinement designed to make updates faster and less cumbersome. While it accomplishes this to some extent, it has led to the creation of the problematic 8.63 GB cache.What Are Checkpoint Updates?
To put it simply, checkpoint updates allow Windows to only apply changes from a more recent version of files and settings that already exist on your system, rather than starting from scratch. This efficiency means that updates can be smaller and quicker, but it also flags certain components as crucial for future updates, rendering them undeletable during cleanup processes.Less Than Meets the Eye
Interestingly, though the cache shows as an alarming 8.63 GB, it may not actually be utilizing that full amount of disk space. It’s suspected that the reported sizes displayed in the cleanup tools may be exaggerated.Microsoft’s Response and Fix Plans
Microsoft has acknowledged the reports about the undeletable cache and is actively working on a fix for an upcoming update. Thus, for the time being, users are advised against attempting extreme measures like manually deleting the flagged components, as this might lead to instability in future updates.In summary, the Windows 11 24H2 update brought not just enhancements but also a thorny issue in the form of an undeletable cache that has left users distressed. While you wait for Microsoft to roll out a fix, you can explore discussions in community forums or simply embrace the quirks of your system—after all, isn’t that part of the Windows experience?
Related Topics on Windows 11:
- Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications
- Windows 11, version 24H2 update history - Microsoft Support
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 issue creates undeletable 8.63 GB Windows update cache
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