Share this article
Improve this guide
How To Rename Software Distribution Folder & Catroot2
Change folders' names with built-in tools or use file rename software.
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Looking for a way to rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders? We’ll show you how to do that in more than one way.
The Software Distribution folder holds all temporaryWindows Updates files. But sometimes, you might have to change its name to fix specific problems. In most cases, the Catroot2 folder will have the same problem simultaneously.
Why do I need to rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders?
This issue originates from the fact that Windows can’t install the updates correctly. Renaming the SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old will allow the system to regenerate and deal with the updates.
The problem is that some of our readers couldn’t rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders.
You may get messages likeThe action can’t be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program catroot2,orCan’t rename catroot2 folder access denied
But that does not mean you won’t be able to accomplish this task at all. All it takes are some inspired tips, and that’s precisely what you will find below.
Is it OK to delete Catroot2 is a question we get often., The simple answer is yes. So let us get to it.
How do I rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders in Windows 10?
1. Use Command Prompt
- In the WindowsSearchbox, typecmd, then selectRun as administratorfrom the results.
3.In the cmd window, type the following commands andhitEnterafter each one:
-
After the process is finished, go toC: > Windows.
-
The Software Distribution folder should now be namedSoftwareDistribution.bak.
Note that in the case of the Catroot2 folder, you replace the Software Distribution rename script with the one below:rename C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.bak
2. How to rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders in Safe Mode
If you have issues renaming the folder using Command Prompt, you can try to rename it in Safe Mode.
Several users reported that they wereunable to boot to Safe Mode. If that’s the case, check our guide and see how to fix that issue.
As you can see, handling folders is not always as straightforward a task as Windows intended.
Sometimes, you may run into prompts stating thatyou need administrator permission to deletespecific folders, and the list can go on.
As far as renaming is concerned, there is always a more straightforward method at hand, and we simply cannot deprive you of it.
You can have a go at it using adedicated file rename softwareto handle the task. Rather convenient, right?
Note that some users who need to delete these folders may faceWindows Update errorsorhigh CPU usageproblems.
We hope that this guide helped resolve the issue and that your Windows updates are back on track.
Should you know more solutions, don’t hesitate to reach for the comments section below, and we will undoubtedly take a look.
More about the topics:Windows 10 Guides
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
