How to direct windows update file to an external drive

Michael J Rowland 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T17:01:33.8033333+00:00

Low on diskspace on dirve C:, I have deleted all I can.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. Marcin Policht 107.5K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-13T17:24:49.5033333+00:00

    You cannot permanently move or redirect the core Windows Update installation directory off the main C: drive, but Windows can temporarily use an external drive if your PC lacks sufficient space during an update.

    If your internal drive is too full to run an update, Windows will prompt you to connect external storage. Connect an external USB drive or hard drive with at least 10 GB of free space, then go to Start > Settings > Windows Update. If low disk space is preventing the update, click Fix issues when it appears. Choose your external drive from the drop-down menu and follow the prompts.

    Windows still installs the final update files onto the internal drive. The external drive is used only to hold temporary staging files during the update process.

    As an alternative, you can manually download specific update packages from the Microsoft Update Catalog and save them to an external drive. You can then run the downloaded update package from the external drive to apply the update to the system.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-13T17:01:46.3733333+00:00

    Yes. Windows Update can temporarily use an external storage device when there is not enough free space on C:.

    Steps:

    1. Connect an external storage device to the PC with at least 10 GB of free space.
    2. Back up any important files on that external device before using it for the update.
    3. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
      • On some versions, this is Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    4. If Windows detects low disk space, look for Fix issues on the Windows Update page.
    5. Select Fix issues. This opens the tool that lets Windows Update use the external drive.
    6. Select the external drive from the drop-down list.
    7. Select Next and follow the prompts to complete the update.
    8. After the update finishes, safely remove the external drive.

    Important details:

    • Windows may still require some free space on the internal drive even when external storage is used.
    • If the Fix issues option does not appear, Windows is not offering external storage for that update path.
    • Typical free space needs vary: feature updates often require 6 GB to 11 GB or more, and quality updates often require 2 GB to 3 GB or more.
    • For upgrades, Windows guidance also states at least 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. If the device has a small drive, a USB drive may be needed to update.

    To free more space on C:, use Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations, then remove items and select Clean up.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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