Software distribution folder contains all the downloaded updates and if it crashed with enough incomplete downloaded items, refuses to sync with Microsoft's server and does not allow you to update your Windows 10/8/7. It means that you will get some kind of update error message along with an error code that starts with 0x.
Software distribution folder location
You can find this folder in the following location:
C:> Windows> Software distribution
Note: The software distribution folder is managed by Windows update agent (WUAgent) Y Background smart transfer service (BITS). So, to perform any operation in this folder, should stop these services. Make sure to restart these services after performing an operation on this folder.
Clear software distribution folder
To remove, the Software Distribution Folder go to the next location and just select all the items and delete them.
Paso 1: Open command prompt as administrator
Paso 2: Type and run the following commands one by one.
net stop wuauserv (press enter)
net stop bits (press enter)
Paso 3 : Go to the C:> Windows> Software distribution
Paso 4: Choose the whole post by pressing Ctrl + A
Paso 5: Delete all items
If it does not allow you to remove the items, means that another program is using some items. Just restart the PC and follow all the steps one more time. After removing all items, should restart Windows Update agent and BITS services.
Paso 6: Go to the administrative command prompt again and run the following commands.
net start wuauserv (press enter)
net start bits (press enter)
Rename the software distribution folder
Paso 1: Open command prompt as administrator
Paso 2: Stop the updated Windows and BITS agent service. Run the following command one by one.
net stop wuauserv (press enter)
net stop bits (press enter)
Paso 3: Type the following command at the command prompt and hit enter.
rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution_old
Paso 4: Start the Windows Update Agent service and BITS. Run the following commands one by one.
net start wuauserv (press enter)
net start bits (press enter)
Once you reset the software distribution folder, try updating windows again. The connection to Microsoft Server may take longer than usual because you have emptied the folder and Windows needs to re-create all databases and other items.. Once connected, you will notice that everything is going well and your windows start to update.
What does this method not work?
Sometimes, due to various other reasons, like registry corruption, missing system files or virus damage, update fails. In this situation, resetting the software distribution folder will not help you, so you need a powerful system optimization tool to fix deep Windows problems. Here, We suggest using the advanced system repair tool to fix Windows update problems. You can download this tool for free.
Resume
In this post, I explained how it can be reset, put off, rename or empty software distribution folder in Windows 10/8/7.
