"Windows 11 generates a 8.63GB cache that cannot be removed."

The recent 24H2 update for Windows 11 has introduced a significant issue with the generation of an update cache of 8.63GB that cannot be deleted. This cache is created during the update process and seems to remain on the system, despite users' attempts to clear it through traditional methods such as disk cleanup, Storage Sense, or even manually deleting system folders like Windows.old.

The problem appears to be related to checkpoint updates, a new feature of Windows 11 designed to simplify and reduce the size of updates by downloading smaller patches instead of full updates. While this functionality was intended to improve efficiency, it has resulted in the accumulation of a notably large and persistent cache file.

The cache presents itself as an 8.63GB disk space consumption, although experts indicate that the actual space used may be smaller, suggesting that the difference could be due to a reporting error in the disk cleanup tool. Users have reported this inconvenience on forums and through the Windows Feedback Hub, indicating that even advanced tools like SFC Scannow fail to resolve the issue.

Microsoft has acknowledged the existence of this bug and is working on a solution, though a specific date for the patch release has not yet been confirmed. In the meantime, users are advised not to attempt to manually delete the cache, as this could cause disruptions in future Windows updates or even in the operating system itself. This error is particularly frustrating, especially given the limited options for resolution without completely reinstalling Windows 11. However, since the cache is likely not actually occupying the full 8.63GB, it is considered more of an aesthetic issue than a critical one for the system.

The situation serves as a reminder that even the most routine updates can lead to unexpected problems.