With the last few versions of Windows, over-the-air updates have made it easy to install the latest software versions. However, if you are facing issues with Windows Updates, try to rename or delete SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 folders on your PC. We’ll show you everything you need to know.
The Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folders are important components of Windows updates on your PC. The Catroot2 folder contains signatures needed to facilitate the update process on your PC. Whereas the SoftwareDistribution folder contains temporary files required to install the update.
But how does deleting or renaming these folders help? Let’s find out!
What Happens When You Reset SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders
Catroot2 folder contains catalog files (.cat) that are cryptographic hashes and digital signatures for system files. If these files become corrupted, it can lead to problems with Windows Update. Renaming or deleting the existing folder forces Windows to create a new Catroot2 folder with fresh catalog files. The new folder is less likely to get corrupted, helping you smoothly install the update on your PC.
The SoftwareDistribution folder is where Windows stores temporary files related to Windows Updates, including downloaded update files and installation components. Renaming or deleting this folder clears the cache of downloaded updates and resets the Windows Update components. These junk and cache files may be responsible for executing bugs. Therefore, deleting them can help prevent problems with updates.
How to Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders
Renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders helps your PC create fresh instances. You will need to use Command Prompt to rename the folders.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt on your PC as an administrator.
Step 2: You must stop a few services before you rename the folders.
Enter the following commands on CMD to stop the related services. Type the commands one after the other and hit the enter key.
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
Step 3: Now, enter the following commands to rename the folders.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.bak
Step 4: The folders will be successfully renamed. Now, you need to restart the services that you just stopped.
Enter the following commands on CMD to restart the services.
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
You can now try to install the latest Windows Update on your PC.
How to Delete SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders
Here’s how to delete the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders on your PC.
Step 1: You must stop a few services before deleting the folders. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Enter the following commands on CMD to stop the related services. Type the commands one after the other and hit the enter key.
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
Step 2: Open Windows Explorer and paste the following location in the address bar :
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Alternatively, you can also navigate to the folder.
Step 3: Once you open the folder, select all the contents and delete them. This will delete the SoftwareDistribution folder from your PC.
Step 4: Similarly, paste the following destination in the address bar of File Explorer to open the CatRoot2 folder.
C:\Windows\System32\catroot2
Step 5: Select all the contents and delete them. This will delete the Catroot2 folder from your PC.
Step 6: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Now, restart the services you stopped.
Enter the following commands on CMD to restart the services.
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
If you still face issues updating your Windows PC, here are two quick fixes.
Bonus: Quick Fixes for Problems on Windows Update
If deleting or renaming the Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folders does not help you fix issues with updates, try restarting the Windows Update service or running a troubleshooter for the same.
Open the Services.msc app from the start menu, and then scroll down to find the Windows Update service. Right-click and restart the service. Doing this will start the service afresh, and it is less likely to contain any corrupted components.
Additionally, you can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which can help your PC detect and fix problems related to it. Here’s how you can run the troubleshooter.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your PC. Select System from the sidebar.
Step 2: Select Troubleshoot.
Step 3: Click on ‘Other trouble-shooters’.
Step 4: Click on Run next to Windows Update. This will open the troubleshooter. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem.
If you have any further questions, look at the FAQ section below.
FAQs About Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution Folders
Ensure you open the command prompt as an administrator. Further, open the Services.msc app from the start menu.
Right-click and stop the Windows Update, Cryptographic, and Background Intelligent Transfer services. You can now go back to CMD and rename the folders.
Yes. It is safe to delete the Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folders from your PC.
Adding the .bak extension to the folder names is a precautionary measure. By renaming the folders with a .bak extension, you create backups of the original folders. This allows you to revert to the actual state if needed.
Update Your Windows PC
We hope this article helps you fix all issues related to Windows updates as you rename or delete the Catroot2 and SoftwareDistribution folders. However, if you face issues connecting to the Windows Update service, check our guide addressing this query.
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Last updated on 01 March, 2024
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