How to reduce the size of datastore.edb?

If your software distribution folder consuming more disk space? Is it good to delete the folder? Hey, before you delete teh folder you have an option to defrag the datastore file to recover free disk space. This will keep you in safe zone.

datastore.edb is located at c:\windows\softwaredistribution\software. In order to shrink its size, please follow the steps listed below:

Stop windows update and Bits service.

Open command prompt and execute the below command:

esentutl.exe /k c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb

For help type

esentutl.exe /?

You can also defrag and repair. If problems were detected in the verify do a recovery followed by a repair.

esentutl.exe /r c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb
esentutl.exe /p c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb

For me, defragging helped to recover around 200 MB free space.

esentutl.exe /d c:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb

Thanks,
WintelAdmin