Windows 11 24H2: Fixing the 8.63GB Undeletable Cache Issue

Microsoft has recently acknowledged a rather peculiar issue impacting users of Windows 11 24H2: an irksome 8.63GB cache that seems undeletable through conventional means. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this situation, which has been described by Microsoft as a mere "reporting error" rather than a persistent problem that clogs user systems with phantom files. Understanding this could save you a fair amount of frustration and storage space.

The Nitty-Gritty: What’s Going On?​

When users attempt to delete this substantial cache, they find no conventional methods will work. However, Microsoft has clarified that this 8.63GB isn't actually taking up valuable storage space, as the files it refers to have long been removed. The miscommunication arises from the Windows Disk Cleanup tool, which inaccurately reports this cached space as still being occupied under the ‘Windows Update Cleanup’ category.
In essence, when users engage Disk Cleanup for the first time, the tool effectively deletes the actual data—liberating the space—while still showing that it remains held hostage somewhere in the system. This confusion is particularly poignant for those with limited storage capacities, as 8.63GB can significantly impact system performance and available space.

Understanding Checkpoint Cumulative Updates​

This problem stems from a feature introduced in Windows 11 24H2 called checkpoint cumulative updates. This nifty update system allows for incremental updates rather than requiring users to download huge packages every time a new update is released. While this approach streamlines the updating process, the temporary nature of the cache associated with it should ideally mean that it gets routinely purged by automated cleanup. Unfortunately, the reporting error prevents this from being reflected accurately across the board.

Microsoft's Response: A Promise of Resolution​

Microsoft has assured users that it is actively working on a fix for this misleading reporting issue. While this problem is widespread, it pales in comparison to other serious issues that Windows 11 24H2 has experienced, such as application crashes and blue screens of death (BSODs) that have resulted in the company halting updates for affected systems.
As Windows 11 22H2 reached its end of life on October 8, and Windows 10 soon thereafter, the impetus is strong for users to transition to the latest version. However, if unresolved issues persist, there's a real risk of users choosing not to update, thereby exposing themselves to vulnerabilities.

Features vs. Issues​

Despite the controversies surrounding Windows 11 24H2—such as the sundry problems once thought to be disastrous—this version still brings with it a bundle of new features. Users can now enjoy benefits like ReFS (Resilient File System) and Block Cloning, which provides remarkable speeds in file copying—up to a stunning 94% faster. Microsoft has also rolled out several AI enhancements, featuring the somewhat polarizing Recall AI app.

The Bottom Line​

So, don’t let this undeletable cache freak you out. While it’s certainly annoying, it’s not a sign your system is on the brink of collapse. Running Disk Cleanup should free up that space, even if the interface doesn’t show it right away. Remember, it’s merely a glitch in reporting rather than a file that’s taking up residence on your hard drive. Stay tuned for Microsoft's resolution with the next update, and in the meantime, take advantage of the many new features that are coming your way.
At the end of the day, with all the hoopla surrounding Windows updates lately, it's comforting to know that not every nagging issue is as dire as it seems. Happy computing, and may your caches be light and your systems behave!
Source: Tom's Hardware Microsoft says the undeletable 8.63GB cache in Windows 11 24H2 is “a reporting error” — space is freed by Disk Cleanup