Windows Updates - Remove Outdated Updates in Windows 7

How to Remove Outdated Windows Updates Using Disk Cleanup in Windows 7​

   Information

Microsoft released an update on October 8, 2013 that allows you to remove outdated Windows Updates using Disk Cleanup in Windows 7.

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• To enable you to roll back to previous updates, updates are stored in the WinSxS store even after they are superseded by later updates. Therefore, after you run the Disk Cleanup wizard, you may be unable to roll back to a superseded update. If you want to roll back to a superseded update that the Disk Cleanup wizard deletes, you can manually install the update.

Running Windows Update Cleanup will reduce the size of the WinSxS folder (component store) and gain more hard drive space.

Source: Update is available that enables you to delete outdated Windows updates by using a new option in the Disk Cleanup wizard in Windows 7 SP1

   Note

Be sure you are running Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

Instructions:

1. If you have not already, you will need to download and install the update from Windows Update or from the Microsoft Download Center links below.
32 Bit:

Download



64 Bit:

Download


2. Open Disk Cleanup.

   Note

You need to run Disk Cleanup as Administrator or select "Clean up system files" in Disk Cleanup.

3. Tick the "Windows Update Cleanup" box.

4. Select OK.

5. Reboot your computer, so the changes will be applied.


That's it! You can run this every time you need to clean up old Windows Update files. Post down below if you have any questions or comments!

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Open and Use Disk Cleanup in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Add "Disk Cleanup" to Context Menu in Windows
• How Use the Windows 7 SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool to Recover Lost Disk Space
• How to Uninstall a Windows Update in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Uninstall Windows Update from Console Level

 

[Slartybart]

Reading more of the KB, I found something might interest folks - automating disk cleanup.
How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP and Windows 7

 

[COMPUTIAC]

I keep getting this and can go no further. Can not download the update.

 

[Kaktussoft]

I keep getting this and can go no further. Can not download the update.

Is your date/time correct?

 

[COMPUTIAC]

Yes.

 

[Kaktussoft]

http://download.microsoft.com/downl...5FA-B4F6950075F6/Windows6.1-KB2852386-x64.msu

That's the direct link. Use only for x64 win7 english! Works?

 

[COMPUTIAC]

Thank's for the direct link but, looks like its been installed already.
Maybe it was in the 20 updates from yesterday ?

 

[Kaktussoft]

Thank's for the direct link but, looks like its been installed already.
Maybe it was in the 20 updates from yesterday ?

Maybe it was... don't know. check your windows update history... or just believe it. You can continue now with tutorial

 

[COMPUTIAC]

Checked and found it from yesterday.


Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB2852386)

Installation date: ‎10/‎8/‎2013 4:43 PM

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Recommended

Install this update to resolve issues in Windows. For a complete listing of the issues that are included in this update, see the associated Microsoft Knowledge Base article for more information. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

More information:
Update is available that enables you to delete outdated Windows updates by using a new option in the Disk Cleanup wizard in Windows 7 SP1

Help and Support:
Microsoft Support

 

[derekimo]

Maybe a note can be added to the tutorial that the update has been available through windows update since Oct. 8th and may already be installed.

 

[rusty post]

Worked well for me, cleaned up 3.1 GB of wasted space on my C: drive.

 

[howiewowie]

296 updates count

I tried your instructions when I got to diskmgr there is not a windows update box or in cleanup disk. checked my updates still 296 back to 11/20/2010 im confused

 

[Slartybart]

Try this: type disk cleanup in the search box on the start menu (orb)
Make sure the selected item is Disk Cleanup and hit enter



A prompt showing you the default drive C:\ might pop up, answer OK or yes
hit the Clean up system files button
A prompt showing you the default drive C:\ might pop up, answer OK or yes
When the utility dialog returns, scroll down until you see Windows Update Cleanup
tick the box on the left if it is not already ticked.
Then you can follow the instructions

I tried your instructions when I got to diskmgr there is not a windows update box or in cleanup disk. checked my updates still 296 back to 11/20/2010 im confused

 

[SIW2]

Cleanmgr will do.

 

[howiewowie]

oops sorry I meant Disk Cleanup it doesn't not have a windows update box when it opens I hit disk cleanup all on C: I only have one drive C: when disk cleanup starts running it shows reading Service Pack Backup Files then System error memory dump files then Windows Update Cleanup it has a box to check for SPBF and Semdf but none for WUC

 

[Brink]

Hello Howie, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Did you already try manually installing the 64-bit update from step 1?

 

[howiewowie]

Try this: type disk cleanup in the search box on the start menu (orb)
Make sure the selected item is Disk Cleanup and hit enter

View attachment 289798

A prompt showing you the default drive C:\ might pop up, answer OK or yes
hit the Clean up system files button
A prompt showing you the default drive C:\ might pop up, answer OK or yes
When the utility dialog returns, scroll down until you see Windows Update Cleanup
tick the box on the left if it is not already ticked.
Then you can follow the instructions

I tried your instructions when I got to diskmgr there is not a windows update box or in cleanup disk. checked my updates still 296 back to 11/20/2010 im confused

oops sorry I meant Disk Cleanup it doesn't not have a windows update box when it opens I hit disk cleanup all on C: I only have one drive C: when disk cleanup starts running it shows reading Service Pack Backup Files then System error memory dump files then Windows Update Cleanup it has a box to check for SPBF and Semdf but none for WUC

 

[howiewowie]

Hello Howie, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Did you already try manually installing the 64-bit update from step 1?

it shows it was already installed

 

[Slartybart]

Are you logged in as an administrator?

Try running the disk cleanup "as administrator"
Right click on the highlighted search result "Disk Cleanup"
select "run as administrator" from the alternate meniu
you won't have the "Clean Up Files System" button and you should see WUC below Thumbnails and above "Per User archived WER"

oops sorry I meant Disk Cleanup it doesn't not have a windows update box when it opens I hit disk cleanup all on C: I only have one drive C:
when disk cleanup starts running it shows reading Service Pack Backup Files then System error memory dump files then Windows Update Cleanup
it has a box to check for SPBF and Semdf but none for WUC

 

[Layback Bear]

This might help.
When you use Cleanmgr right tick on it and select Run as Administrator.

Sorry Slartybart I was typing while you were posting.