How to Safely Clear SCCM Cache | Generated by AI

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Question: In Software Center on Windows, some failed packages, how to delete ccmcache to reinstall again?

Answer:

The Software Center on Windows is part of Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (formerly SCCM/MECM), where deployed applications, updates, and packages appear. Failed installations often occur due to corrupted or incomplete files in the client cache folder (ccmcache, typically located at C:\Windows\ccmcache). Clearing this cache forces the client to re-download the content, allowing a fresh reinstall attempt.

Important Warnings

• Do not manually delete files or folders directly from C:\Windows\ccmcache using File Explorer or command line. This can corrupt the client’s tracking of content, leading to further issues.
• Always use supported methods to clear the cache.

Recommended Method: Clear Cache via Configuration Manager Properties

This is the official, safest way:

1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type: control smscfgrc (or search for “Configuration Manager” in Control Panel).
2. In the Configuration Manager Properties window, go to the Cache tab.
3. Click Configure Settings (if prompted, enter admin credentials).
4. Click Delete Files.
5. Check the box for Delete persisted cache content (if available and needed).
6. Confirm with Yes.

This properly removes cached items and updates the client’s internal tracking.

After Clearing the Cache

1. Close and reopen Software Center.
2. Navigate to the failed package/application/update.
3. Click Retry or Install again.
   • It may initially show quick failure or 0% download—try retrying a second time, as it often starts downloading properly on the next attempt.

Alternative Method: Using PowerShell (Advanced)

If you need to automate or clear selectively, run this PowerShell script as Administrator (it uses the official COM object to safely delete all cache items):

$UIResourceMgr = New-Object -ComObject UIResource.UIResourceMgr
$Cache = $UIResourceMgr.GetCacheInfo()
$Cache.GetCacheElements() | ForEach-Object {
    $Cache.DeleteCacheElement($_.CacheElementID)
}

• Run this on the affected machine.
• Then retry the installation in Software Center.

Additional Tips

• If failures persist, trigger client policy refresh: In Actions tab of Configuration Manager Properties, run Machine Policy Retrieval & Evaluation Cycle and Application Deployment Evaluation Cycle.
• Check logs (e.g., C:\Windows\CCM\Logs) for details on failures.
• In enterprise environments, admins can handle this remotely via tools like Right Click Tools.

This should resolve most failed package issues by forcing a clean re-download.

References:

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/core/clients/manage/configure-client-cache
• https://areit.wordpress.ncsu.edu/software-center-troubleshooting/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/SCCM/comments/4poj0i/force_software_center_to_redownload_appsupdates/
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1694202/how-to-cleanup-ccmcache

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