Windows 11 24H2 isn't tidying up after itself, leaving a 8.63 GB update cache that some users can't delete.

It's not unusual for Microsoft's OS to leave large update files that you need to manually remove at different points during the life of a Windows installation. I've wondered more than once where the extra 5 GB of SSD space went, only to discover that Windows didn't clean up after itself as I would have hoped.

It's still a simple matter of running Disk Cleanup, tutting at the remaining update files as they are removed, and waving your finger at your computer before you go to sleep. Windows Latest reports that some users of the Windows 11 24H2 have been left with an 8.63 GB update caching file.

It's possible to run Disk Cleanup or its lesser GUI-laden cousin Storage Cleanup to your heart's desire, but the file will still remain afterward, like the guest you found upside down in the back garden the morning after a party.

Windows Latest tried to delete files from the software distribution folder when it encountered this problem, but to no avail. It's a stubborn goat, it seems, and nothing short of a fresh install seems to work.

Microsoft has taken note of the reports made by users on the Microsoft Feedback Hub. Windows Latest has reported that Microsoft is aware of the reports and will fix the issue in the next update.

This issue is believed to be related Microsoft's checkpoint update system, which offers Windows Updates in smaller, incremental packages to reduce bandwidth and download requirements.

If you're in a tight spot with your storage and 8.63 GB is not an option, I would recommend upgrading to a cheap SSD. This is the PC equivalent to leaving dirty dishes in a sink. Hopefully, Microsoft will allow Windows to clean its act soon.