How Can I delete Delivery Optimization Files

Theo Lucia

Jan 24, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Windows is a widely popular desktop OS that many people use in their daily life. One of the major reasons behind its immense popularity is the exceptional user experience. Apart from a user-friendly interface, Microsoft keeps on introducing new features that are designed to make the user’s life easier. “Delivery Optimization” is one such feature that was first introduced in Windows 10. It’s a part of Microsoft’s update optimization system. The idea behind the delivery optimization files is to make it easier for users to install the new Windows updates.

However, like other desktop files, event delivery optimization data can eat up a lot of disk space. As a result, you may encounter slow processing and unexpected crashes. That’s the reason why many users want to know if there’s a way to manually delete these delivery optimization files. So, in this article, we are going to share the best way to delete delivery optimization files from your computer.

Part 1: What are Delivery Optimization Files in Windows?

As we mentioned earlier, delivery optimization files are basically a part of the official Windows update optimization service. They are designed to automatically adjust the bandwidth of the server so that each user can easily download the latest updates on their computer.

To put it in simple words, Delivery Optimization files are the cached version of the official Windows Update Files that Microsoft releases on their server. However, the delivery optimization files are present on the user’s machine. So, if someone else (within the same network) tries to download the latest Windows updates, they’ll automatically get downloaded from the PC containing delivery optimization files.

The main idea behind these delivery optimization files is to reduce unnecessary stress on the main server. Since millions of users download Windows update at the same time, it’s quite possible that the server may crash multiple times. Fortunately, with the Delivery Optimization files, the main server won’t have to deal with the unnecessary load and the users will be able to download their Windows’ updates more conveniently.

Part 2: Why is it Crucial to Delete Delivery Optimization Files?

Since delivery optimization files are immensely useful, why would someone want to delete them? The answer is pretty simple; to create more storage space. Delivery Optimization Files can easily take too much room on your PC’s hard drive. This may cause different issues such as slow processing speed and frequent crashes. Not to mention, if there is no disk space, you’ll find it challenging to save your own files.

Note: It’s worth noting that the Windows system automatically deleted the Delivery Optimization Files from time to time so that you don’t run out of storage space. But, if you want instant space on your hard drive, you can manually delete these files as well.

Part 3: Is It Safe to Delete Delivery Optimization Files?

Since Delivery Optimization files are a crucial part of the Windows system, many users also want to know if it’s ok to delete them or not. The truth is deleting these files won’t cause any issues because they are only designed for one purpose, i.e., aid users with the overall system update. So, if you have already installed the latest Windows updates across all the computers within your network, you can delete the delivery optimization files. This action won’t affect your PC’s performance at all.

Part 4: How to Delete Delivery Optimization Files Manually?

So, now that you know what delivery optimization files are, let’s quickly walk you through the detailed steps to delete them in Windows. The process to delete these files is fairly easy. Even if you are not a tech-geek, you won’t find it challenging to delete the delivery optimization files from your PC.

Here’s the 3-step process to delete Delivery Optimization Files.

Step 1 - In your Windows 10 PC, open the Cortana Search Box and type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar.

Step 2 - Tap the “Disk Cleanup” app from the list. This will prompt you to the “Disk Cleanup” dialog box.
Step 3 - Now, mark the checkbox next to “Delivery Optimization Files” and click “Ok”.

Your PC will automatically start deleting the delivery optimization files. Once the process completes, you’ll get free storage space on your PC and you won’t have to deal with slow processing either.

Part 5: How to Turn Off Delivery Optimization Permanently?

With each Windows update, users get a more stable version of the operating system. However, some users are happy with the current version of their Windows OS and don’t want to go through the entire OS update process. In fact, there are many users who rarely install Windows updates on their computers. If you’re one of them, you can also disable “Delivery Optimization” permanently. This way you won’t ever run out of storage space and won’t have to delete the delivery optimization files either.

Follow these steps to disable the Delivery Optimization services in Windows 10.

Step 1 - Click the “Start” button at the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then, click “Settings” to proceed further.

Step 2 - In the “Settings” window, select the “Update & Security” option.

Step 3 - Now, select the “Delivery Optimization” from the left menubar.
Step 4 - Finally, toggle the switch off next to the “Allow downloads from other PCs” option.

That’s it; the delivery optimization feature will now be disabled and you’ll be able to manage the overall storage space on your computer more easily. 

Final Words

If you’ve been dealing with low storage space for a while now, it would be better to delete the delivery optimization files from your system. Simply check if your Windows OS is updated to the latest version and follow the above-mentioned steps to remove the delivery optimization data. And, if you don’t want to deal with this process, go ahead and disable the delivery optimization feature from the “Settings” menu. This will allow you to keep using your system without any unexpected interruptions or slow processing.

People Also Ask

1. Can I Delete Delivery Optimization Files?

Yes, you can easily delete delivery optimization files from your system using the “Disk Cleanup” app. However, if you still haven’t installed Windows updates on your PC, it would be better to first install them. Why? Because the delivery optimization files will speed up the entire downloading process. Once the process completes, you can go ahead and delete the delivery optimization files to free up the storage space.

2. What Happens When I Delete Delivery Optimization Files?

When you’ll delete the delivery optimization files, the cached Windows update files will be removed from your computer. However, this won’t affect your PC’s performance whatsoever. Deleting the delivery optimization files will only create free storage space on your system.

3. Is Delivery Optimization a Necessary Feature?

Delivery Optimization is a useful feature that’s designed to aid the entire Windows update process. However, it isn’t a necessary feature for every user. If you don’t install Windows updates, you can also disable the “Delivery Optimization” feature from the “Settings” menu.