Первые скриншоты Windows 11 — изменения коснулись «Пуска», панели задач, интерфейса и многого другого
В Сети оказались опубликованы скриншоты, сделанные в грядущей операционной системе Windows 11 от компании Microsoft. На опубликованных изображениях демонстрируется новый пользовательский интерфейс, свежее меню «Пуск» и многое другое. Поскольку это очень ранняя сборка, некоторые элементы новой ОС остались такими же, как у текущей версии Windows 10.
Новый пользовательский интерфейс и меню «Пуск» в Windows 11 очень похожи на те, что изначально были в Windows 10X. Microsoft пыталась упростить интерфейс Windows для использования на устройствах с двумя экранами, но в конечном счёте отказалась от дальнейшей разработки Windows 10X. Позже компания пообещала использовать те наработки в основной версии ОС, и как видно, сдержала обещание — многие элементы легли в основу новой Windows 11.
Наиболее заметное визуальное отличие новой ОС связано с панелью задач. Microsoft решила сместить иконки приложений с левого нижнего края экрана в центр. Здесь же находится и новая кнопка меню «Пуск». Последняя представляет собой упрощённую версию того меню, что сегодня присутствует в Windows 10.
В новой версии операционной системы используются закруглённые углы окон. Контекстуальные меню, иконки, а также окно проводника — теперь всё имеет закруглённые углы, включая иконки и окна меню «Пуск».
На панели задач Windows 11 можно увидеть новую иконку Widgets (виджеты). Слухи о том, что компания вернёт их в новую ОС, ходят уже давно. Правда, сами виджеты из-за «сырости» версии сборки пока недогружаются. С помощью виджетов можно будет быстро узнать погоду, свежие новости и другую полезную информацию из Сети.
В ранней сборке Windows 11 компания пока не вносила изменения в интерфейс магазина приложений Windows Store. Прежде сообщалось, что Microsoft собирается серьёзно переработать магазин приложений и сделать его более дружелюбным не только для пользователей, но и для разработчиков приложений. Для них упростят размещение контента на платформе, а также позволят использовать в приложениях сторонние платёжные сервисы.
Визуально изменится и процесс установки Windows 11. Однако пользователя как и раньше будут сопровождать по каждому шагу установки и настройки новой ОС. При каждой загрузке Windows 11 пользователя будет встречать новый звук запуска системы.
Microsoft подробно расскажет о «следующем поколении Windows» на специальном мероприятии, которое состоится в конце этого месяца. Софтверный гигант начал рассылку приглашений на мероприятие, которое будет полностью посвящено программной платформе Windows и начнётся в 18:00 (мск) 24 июня.
Источник
What is the Software Distribution folder?
The SoftwareDistribution folder usually located in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution is used by Windows Update to preload downloaded updates and hotfixes before installing them. On Windows 10 you usually find the following folder-structure but there might exist other sub-folders as well:
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Datastore
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\EventCachte.v2
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\PostRebootEventCache.V2
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\SLS
While the SoftwareDistribution folder is managed completely by the Windows Update Agent (WUAgent) problems might occur that require a manual cleanup of its contents.
Automatically delete win download files in Windows 10
If you are facing issues with Windows Update you might try to use Windows Disk Cleanup in extended mode before moving forward with our tutorial. This might already fix incomplete or corrupted Windows Update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder by deleting them.
Is it safe to delete Windows\SoftwareDistribution-subfolders?
The method shown below to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder manually is generally safe as Windows Update will download all update files again when needed. To be sure that the issue you try to fix is related to the Windows SoftwareDistribution folder, you might want to temporarily rename it beforehand as shown below. This will preserve the files inside.
If you decide deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you will lose the Windows Update history which might be usuful to trace down problematic updates. Also Windows Update will need a bit longer afterwards until available updates are shown and downloaded because the WUAgent must check and re-create the Datastore information.
How to Cleanup the SoftwareDistribution folder?
Before you can clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, you will have to stop both the Windows Update Service (wuauserv) and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (bits).
- Open an elevated Command Prompt
- Use the net stop command to terminate services
Run the command
net stop wuauservto stop the Windows Update Service andnet stop bitsfor the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- Open file Explorer
- Delete contents/subfolders of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- Use the net stop command to restart services
Run the command
net start wuauservto re-launch the Windows Update Service andnet start bitsfor the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
How to Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder
Renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder allows to quickly check if Windows Update files there are really causing the issue you are trying to resolve.
- Open Command Prompt
- Use the net stop command to terminate services
Run the command
net stop wuauservto stop the Windows Update Service andnet stop bitsfor the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder with one command
Run the following command to rename SoftwareDistribution folder into SoftwareDistribution.bat:
rename %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
To revert this, you can apply the same procedure afterwards using this command:
rename %windir%\SoftwareDistribution.bak SoftwareDistribution
- Use the net stop command to restart services
Run the command
net start wuauservto re-launch the Windows Update Service andnet start bitsfor the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
How to Pause, Defer, or Delay Quality and Feature Updates
If you deleted the SoftwareDistribution Folder´s contents to free up space you might also want to delete the $SysReset folder to gain even more. If necessary you can also tell Windows Update to Pause, Defer, or Delay Quality and Feature Updates if you don´t want to download new Windows Updates immediately again after clearing SoftwareDistribution.
Last Updated on August 27, 2021 3:53 pm CEST
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О папке
-
Удаление
Рано или поздно, многие из нас сталкиваются с проблемой нехватки памяти на жестком диске. Каждый решает этот вопрос по своему: удаляет ненужные программы, пользуется оптимизаторами или ищет файлы, которые можно удалить. Если вы относитесь к третьей категории, вероятно уже столкнулись с SoftwareDistribution. Что это за папка Windows 7, для чего нужна и можно ли ее удалить, читайте в данной публикации.
О папке
Папка SoftwareDistribution расположена в C:\Windows\ и содержит файлы обновлений системы. Данный каталог могут найти пользователи Windows 7, 8 и 10. В директории C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download операционная система сохраняет апдейты, скачанные с сервера Microsoft. Они могут достигать нескольких гигабайт.
Если вы желаете освободить немного места, содержимое папки можно удалить. После очередного обновления, папка создастся вновь и будет содержать новый дистрибутив.
Совет! Чтобы освободить больше памяти, воспользуйтесь функцией “Очистка диска”.
Удаление
Прежде чем удалить SoftwareDistribution, отключите автоматический запуск поиска и установки патчей для Windows:
- Нажмите Win+R выполните команду
control
- Перейдите в “Система и безопасность” → “Центр обновления Windows”.
- Откройте “Настройка параметров”.
- Снимите галочки и выберите “Не проверять наличие обновлений (не рекомендуется)”.
Теперь вы можете выборочно удалить апдейты или полностью все содержимое SoftwareDistribution.
Для выборочного удаления:
- Откройте “Установленные обновления”.
- Выберите те, которые необходимо деинсталлировать и нажмите “Удалить”.
Для очистки содержимого SoftwareDistribution:
- Выделите все файлы и нажмите “Удалить”.
- Если система не позволяет полностью провести операцию, воспользуйтесь утилитой Unlocker.
- Также, после работы с программой, SoftwareDistribution можно будет переименовать.
Table of contents
- What is the Software Distribution Folder?
- Where Can I Find the Software Distribution Folder?
- Is It Safe to Delete the Software Distribution Folder?
- How to Delete the Software Distribution Folder
- How to Rename Software Distribution Folder
- Use Third-Party Software to Delete Old Update Files
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Have you ever wondered what the Software Distribution folder is for? You may have found this article because you have several questions about it. Is the SoftwareDistribution folder useful? Can you delete Windows update files from your computer? Is it safe to delete this folder? Well, we are here to answer your questions. Remember that Windows uses this folder to store temporary files for installing the latest updates on your device. These updates are necessary for keeping your PC secure and in good shape. Regardless, you can still clear the Software Distribution folder without any issues. However, there’s a right way to do it. We’ll show you how to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder without any issues. Let’s begin.
What is the Software Distribution Folder?
The SoftwareDistribution folder is a directory on your computer, usually found in the C:\Windows directory. The Windows operating system uses it to store temporary files and information about Windows Updates. It’s essential for downloading, storing, and managing updates for your Windows operating system. In other words, it functions as a storage space where Windows maintains all the files required for updating your PC.
Also Read: Windows Update Cleanup: How to Delete Old Windows Update Files
These folders contain downloaded update packages, installation files, and other information required to keep your system secure and up to date.
Where Can I Find the Software Distribution Folder?
As said earlier, you can find the Windows Software Distribution folder in the C:\Windows directory. Here’s how to find it:
- Press the
Windows + Eto open the Windows folder. - Search for the primary hard drive on your computer, which is usually Local Disk (C:) or just C: and click on it.
- Open the Windows folder on the C: drive.
- You’ll find the SoftwareDistribution folder inside the Windows folder.
So, the path to the Software Distribution Folder on a Windows computer is usually C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
Related: Windows Update Troubleshooter: Fixing Windows Update Issues
Is It Safe to Delete the Software Distribution Folder?
Many users have asked this question, even on Microsoft Community. According to an independent advisor in the forum, John Dev, you can delete old Windows update files. You shouldn’t do anything with the Windows update folder under normal circumstances. However, some Linus Tech tips forum users have experienced a situation where the Software Distribution folder takes up about 14GB of space or where the files in the folder have been corrupted. Don’t worry because getting rid of the SoftwareDistribution folder is entirely safe. That said, you should still take some precautions before deleting this folder. You must ensure that Windows Update is the root cause of the errors on your PC. So, when the updated files are ready, your operating system will recreate the folder.
Also Read: [FIXED] Windows 10 Update Download Error 0x8024200B
How to Delete the Software Distribution Folder
You must create a restore point whenever you decide to change your system. You can always return your OS to work if anything goes wrong. So, follow the steps below:
- Go to your taskbar, then click the Search icon.
- Inside the Search box, type
Restore Point. - Select Create a restore point from the results.
- Click the Create button.
- Let your system create a restore point. The process may take a couple of minutes to complete.
After creating a restore point, you can now delete the Software Distribution folder . To do that, you need to follow the instructions below:
- Type
Command Prompt, right-click, and selectRun as administrator.
- Copy and paste the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
- Press
Windows Key + Eon your keyboard to open File Explorer. - Navigate to this folder: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete old Windows update files in the folder.
You won’t be able to get rid of files in use. When this happens, all you need to do is restart your computer. Once you’ve rebooted, you can return to the Windows Software Distribution folder to delete its contents.
- After deleting the files inside the SoftwareDistribution folder , execute the following command lines:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
These commands will restart the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services. That’s how to delete Windows update files using the command prompt .
Here’s a video version of a user deleting the Windows update folder:
How to Rename Software Distribution Folder
Some users are worried about removing the SoftwareDistribution folder. After all, it’s an essential part of Windows Update. If you share the same sentiment, we suggest you rename the Software Distribution folder.
Once you’ve done this, your operating system will automatically create a new SoftwareDistribution folder for downloading available updates. Here are the steps:
- Press
Windows Key + Xon your keyboard, then select Command Prompt (Admin). - Execute the following command lines one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
- The next step is renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder. Execute the command lines below:
rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
rename C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Finally, you can restart the Windows Update services that you stopped earlier. To do that, you need to execute the following command lines one by one:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Were you able to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder using the steps we shared? If it remains the same, we recommend you boot into Safe Mode and change the folder’s name to SoftwareDistribution.old.
Don’t worry about doing anything damaging to your computer. This process only involves removing the historical information from the folder. Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will remove your PC’s Windows Update history data.
So, expect the update process to take longer than it used to, especially since WUAgent will have to check and create the Datastore information.
Fix this issue quickly
You can try using a safe and totally free tool developed by the Auslogics team of experts.
A few simple steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Download the tiny Auslogics TroubleShooter tool.
Run the application (no installation is needed).
The app will check for the issue mentioned in the article. When the scan is done, check that this is the issue you were looking to solve and click ‘Apply now’ to apply the recommended fix.
You can use the app to troubleshoot other malfunctions for free by simply typing in a brief description of the issue your PC is experiencing. Or you can scan your PC for performance issues using the My Scanner tab.
Use Third-Party Software to Delete Old Update Files
Auslogics BoostSpeed is computer optimization software that enhances your Windows PC performance and keeps it healthy. It provides tools and features to remove unused files, speed up the system, and fix typical computer problems.
Among its features, BoostSpeed has a Deep Disk Cleaner tool for managing and removing outdated update files. With just a click, you can quickly delete out-of-date update files that might take up space on your computer.
Launch BoostSpeed, select “Deep Disk Cleaner,” and click “Scan now.” The program will take care of the rest!
Related: Speed Up Slow Computer as a Pro – Introducing Auslogics BoostSpeed 13
Conclusion
The Software Distribution folder is essential for adequately managing Windows Updates. These updates are essential for maintaining the functionality and security of your PC.
Even though it’s usually advised to leave this folder alone, there are some situations where you might need to delete everything inside. However, it’s important to proceed with caution.
Deleting the Windows update folder is safe, but you should make a restore point first. This safety measure lets you restore your system if something goes wrong while the process progresses.
Third-party software like Auslogics BoostSpeed provides a Deep Disk Cleaner tool if you want a user-friendly method. This program can quickly locate and remove outdated update files with a few clicks, streamlining the process.
FAQ
The Software Distribution folder is an essential part of the Windows Update service. It keeps temporary files as well as information about Windows Updates. It also includes installation files and downloaded updates.
The C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution directory in Windows 7 contains the Software Distribution folder. You can access it by launching File Explorer and going to your C: drive. You should see the “SoftwareDistribution” folder from there when you access the “Windows” folder.
First, stop the Windows Update Service. To do this, open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key and R, then type services.msc into the box and click Enter. Right-click Windows Update in the list and choose Stop.
Use File Explorer to find C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution after pausing the service. Select and remove all of the directory’s files and folders. After deleting the contents, return to the Services pane, right-click Windows Update, and choose Start to restart the Windows Update Service.
If you can’t change the Software Distribution folder, it may be because the operating system uses part of its contents. To rename the Windows Update Service, you must first stop it. You should be able to rename the folder once the service has been stopped. Remember to restart the Windows Update Services afterward.
What is the SoftwareDistribution folder and what is it used for? Although many users are not aware of this folder, so let’s shed some light on the importance of the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder is used by Windows to temporarily stores files needed to install the latest Windows Updates on your device.
Windows updates are important as it provides security updates & patches, fixes a lot of bugs and improves your system performance. SoftwareDistribution folder is located in the Windows directory and is managed by WUAgent (Windows Update Agent).
Do you think that deleting this folder is ever required? On what circumstances, you would delete this folder? Is it safe to delete this folder? These are some questions that we all come across while discussing this folder. On my system, it is consuming more than 1 GB space of C drive.
Why would you ever delete this folder?
SoftwareDistribution folder should be left alone but there comes a time when you may need to clear the contents of this folder. One such case is when you’re unable to update Windows or when Windows updates which are downloaded & stored in the SoftwareDistribution folder are corrupt or incomplete.
In most of the cases, when Windows Update stops working properly on your device and you are getting an error message, you need to flush out this folder to solve the problem. Moreover, if you find that this folder is accumulating a large chunk of data taking more space of the drive, you can manually clear out the folder to free up some space on your drive. However, if you face Windows Update issues such as Windows Update not working, Windows Updates fails, Windows Update stuck while downloading the latest updates, etc. then you need to delete SoftwareDistribution folder on Windows 10.
Is it safe to delete SoftwareDistribution folder?
You don’t need to touch this folder under any normal circumstances, but if the content of the folder is corrupted or not synchronized causing issues with Windows updates then you need to delete this folder. It is completely safe to delete this folder. However, you need to first make sure that you are experiencing a problem with your Windows Update. Next time when Windows Update files are ready, Windows will automatically create this folder and download the update files from the scratch.
How to Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder on Windows 10
Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.
To delete SoftwareDistribution folder from your device, you need to either open the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell
1.Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell with Administrator access. Press Windows key + X and select the Command Prompt or PowerShell option.
2.Once PowerShell opens, you need to type below-mentioned commands to stop the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
3.Now you need to navigate to SoftwareDistribution folder in C drive to delete all its components:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
If you are not able to delete all files because some files are in use, you just need to restart your device. Upon rebooting, you need to again run the above commands again and follow the steps. Now, again try to delete all the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
4.Once you have deleted the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to type the following command to activate the services related to Windows Update:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
An alternate way to Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder
1.Press Windows Key + R then type services.msc and hit Enter.
2.Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop.
3.Open File Explorer then navigate to the following location:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
4.Delete all the files and folders under SoftwareDistribution folder.
5.Again right-click on Windows Update service then select Start.
6.Now to try to download the Windows updates and this time it will without any issues.
How to Rename SoftwareDistribution folder
If you’re worried about deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder then you can simply rename it and Windows will automatically create a new SoftwareDistribution folder to download the Windows updates.
1.Press Windows Key + X then select Command Prompt (Admin).
2.Now type the following commands to stop Windows Update Services and then hit Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
3.Next, type the following command to rename SoftwareDistribution Folder and then hit Enter:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
4.Finally, type the folowing command to start Windows Update Services and hit Enter after each one:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Once you have completed these steps, Windows 10 will automatically create a folder and download the necessary elements for running Windows Update services.
If the above step is not working then you can boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode, and rename SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old.
Note: The only thing which you may lose in the process of deleting this folder is the historical information. This folder also stores the Windows Update history information. Thus, deleting the folder will delete the Windows Update history data from your device. Moreover, the Windows Update process will take more time than it used to take earlier because WUAgent will check and create the Datastore information.
Overall, there is no problem associated with the process. It is a small price to pay for getting your device updated with the latest Windows Updates. Whenever you notice Windows Update problems such as Windows Updates files missing, not updating properly, you can opt for this method to restore the Windows Update process.
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I hope the above steps were helpful and now you can easily Delete SoftwareDistribution folder on Windows 10, but if you still have any questions regarding this tutorial then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.