Delete outdated Windows updates by using a new option in the Disk Cleanup wizard in Windows 7 SP1

[craptakular]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2852386

This update adds a new plugin to the Disk Cleanup wizard. After you install this update, you can use the Windows Update Cleanup option to delete Windows updates that you no longer need.

Notes

• The Windows Update Cleanup option is available only when the Disk Cleanup wizard detects Windows updates that you do not need on the computer.
• To enable you to roll back to previous updates, updates are stored in the WinSxS store even after they are superseded by later updates. Therefore, after you run the Disk Cleanup wizard, you may be unable to roll back to a superseded update. If you want to roll back to a superseded update that the Disk Cleanup wizard deletes, you can manually install the update.

After you install this update, follow these steps to clean up Windows update files.

Note You must have administrator permissions to clean up Windows update files.

1. Start the Disk Cleanup wizard. To do this, use one of the following methods:
   • Method 1: Click Start, type cleanmgr in the Start Search box, and then click OK.
   • Method 2: Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
   • Method 3: If a Low Disk Space notification appears, click the notification to open the Disk Cleanup wizard.
2. Select the Windows 7 system drive, and then click OK.
   
   Note This operation might take several seconds because the Disk Cleanup wizard searches for files on the drive that can be cleaned up.
3. If the Windows Update Cleanup option is not displayed on the Disk Cleanup tab, click Clean up system files. If the Windows Update Cleanup option is displayed on the Disk Cleanup tab, go to step 5.
   
   Note The Windows Update Cleanup option is available only when you log on by using administrator permissions.
4. Select the Windows 7 system drive, and then click OK.
5. On the Disk Cleanup tab, select Windows Update Cleanup, and then click OK.
   
   Note By default, the Windows Update Cleanup option is already selected.
6. When a dialog box appears, click Delete Files.

Notes

• The Disk Cleanup wizard runs in the background.
• You may have to restart the computer to finish the cleanup process.

Just posting this as it will help fellow SSD users free up valuable space.

 

[andy_mk3]

Nice one. Cleared 719mb for me.

 

[Sin_Chase]

Nice, is available in 8 also, cleared out 800MB.

 

[Dervious]

Thanks.

I have to ask the question, why do we need to be told about this ?

 

[Beerbaron]

3.83GB Windows update cleanup was 3.81GB

 

[Dervious]

And to make matters worse, I visited the link and tried to download the update.

I have to "validate" my installation of Windows, and get the message "This version of the Windows Genuine Advantage validation tool is no longer supported. Please download the newest version and ensure that your system clock is accurate"

21:41 13/10/2013

Is that accurate enough ?

My argument for Microsoft over Apple is becoming ever more difficult.

 

[Beerbaron]

Why would anyone put OSX in front of anything. Its a terrible OS.

 

[Dervious]

Hang on.

Have the clocks been changed yet ?

Is this beer stronger than I thought ?

 

[Dervious]

Why would anyone put OSX in front of anything. Its a terrible OS.

I`ve "argued" the case for Windows over OSX for ages with a mate of mine. I`ve always admitted that Windows seems to need a bit more "care" than Mac OS, but Windows 8 seems "horrible", Vista was "horrible" and now it seems that I have to manually install an update to improve the efficiency of Windows 7 (which has failed, so far).

It's great news for "IT support", but not so great for the end user.

 

[Dervious]

My OS is "Genuine", it says so ! (And I paid for it/registered it)

Why can't I validate Windows ?

Sometimes Microsoft drive me potty, although I have to remind myself that part of my living is earned by helping those who simply want to use their PC/Laptops.

I hate to ask, but can someone help ?

 

[Dervious]

Just googled "validate windows".........


Welcome to Windows!

Because Windows installed on your PC is genuine, enjoy the security, reliability and protection it provides.



Nurse !!!!

 

[Dervious]

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/exe-validation.aspx?id=40359

Please, make it stop !

 

[jellybeard999]

Does this just delete the files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download ?

 

[madtoady]

Blimey, 1.77Gb cleared.

 

[d_brennen]

Does this just delete the files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download ?

Probably. Perhaps Dervious should try this and then rerun WU

 

[xSIx]

Cleared 2.84GB lol. Thanks!!

 

[craptakular]

Thanks.

I have to ask the question, why do we need to be told about this ?

Some people clearly didn't know about it. Hence all the positive responses.

If you did/don't care what does it matter too you?

 

[Dervious]

Some people clearly didn't know about it. Hence all the positive responses.

If you did/don't care what does it matter too you?

Part of my living is earned by building and upgrading PCs and laptops, mainly for home users. I'm constantly "adding" to my knowledge of hardware, software and operating systems. I was not aware of this "tweak", so thought I'd investigate on my own PC.

 

[Dervious]

I`ve just checked, and it appears that I already have this update installed, and it has just freed up 2.91GB of space on my PC.

Still can't get past Genuine Validation when I try to download the update from Microsoft.

 

[andy_mk3]

I had the same issue with validation, but opened up windows update and it was there in optional updates