Windows update change download location

I haven't tested this, but what about a symlink?

net stop wuauserv mklink /j c:\windows\softwaredistribution d:\other\desired\location net start wuauserv


The updates are automatically downloaded to the WINDOWS\Software Distribution\Download subfolder. They are then unpacked to the drive which has the most free space available and installed from there. The contents of the Download subfolder are periodically flushed.

There's no way to redirect where the updates are downloaded to due to Security concerns.


After reading a post of meatspace I have found this one:

  • Start>Run
  • type cmd and press enter
  • type net stop wuauserv and press enter
  • type rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.oldand press enter

Creating a symbolic link using Junction (Download)

In this example the software distribution folder will be redirected from C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution to the D:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution

  • Creating the Junction

To create the target directory from the command prompt

C:\md D:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

To create the Junction

C:\junction C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution “D:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution”
  • Restart the Windows Update Service

  • type net start wuauserv and press enter