The Windows Update Delivery Optimization feature allows you to download the latest Windows updates quickly and safely. The feature helps you save internet bandwidth and access the latest updates even if you are in an area with scrappy connectivity.

So, what exactly is Windows Update Delivery Optimization? Does it impact your privacy and security online? Read on to find out more on this.

What is Windows Update Delivery Optimization?

Windows Update Delivery Optimization aids speedier delivery of Windows updates and Microsoft Store apps. The feature uses peer-to-peer distribution as devices share update files with other PCs that have already downloaded them.

Essentially, your PC sources updates from Microsoft and other devices on your local network or other PCs connected to the internet that are also receiving updates at the same time. You save bandwidth when the files are shared with your other PCs in the same local network. So, you don't have to download the same updates to all PCs separately in your local network. That's why the feature is a boon for areas with unreliable internet connectivity.

Delivery Optimization settings

Also, of course, this isn't a one-way process, as your PC too would be contributing similar files to other PCs that might be needing them. Thus, this can well be described as a collective process and is just like how a BitTorrent peer-to-peer network functions.

For Delivery Optimization to work, your computer should be running at least Windows 10, version 1511. Also, you will need to be connected to the web to avail this facility.

Is Windows Update Delivery Optimization Safe?

The interchange of files among peers makes us skeptical about its safety. Also, this process happens in the background without you being aware of the exact files being shared. However, Microsoft says the feature is safe and that user's privacy and data security are never compromised.

That is achieved as Windows prevents Delivery Optimization from access to your personal files and folders. Further, Delivery Optimization also does not have the privilege of making any changes to any files on your PC. All that it does is download the files or apps from other PCs that you would have otherwise sourced from Microsoft.

Also, such downloads from other PCs are governed by the same security rules as when downloaded from Microsoft. Windows also ensures you get the updates you need and nothing else.

For that, Delivery Optimization tallies the details of each part of the update downloaded from other PCs with specific information sent by Microsoft. The downloaded files are then rechecked for authenticity before those are eventually installed.

Related: How to Use the Microsoft Windows Update Catalog for Windows Updates

Delivery Optimization makes sure you don't source all files from the same PC. Instead, the update gets broken down into smaller parts; each downloaded from different PCs that have already got those files. Maybe some of the parts are sourced from Microsoft itself. For this, preference is given to the source that offers the fastest and most reliable download. All downloaded files are stored in a local cache temporarily before those are installed.

Checking Windows Update Delivery Optimization Permissions Settings

You can manage Delivery Optimization from the Update and Security screen in Windows Settings. Configure the settings here to permit other PCs to download your updates and share their update files with you.

  1. Click on Start > Settings > Update & Security.
  2. In the Update & Security page, select Delivery Optimisation from the sidebar.
  3. Under Delivery Optimisation, turn the toggle switch for Allow downloads from other PCs to enable downloads from other PCs.

Once you turn the toggle switch on, there are two options, opt for PCs on my local network if you wish to keep yourself limited to just your local network. Or you can choose PCs on my local network, and PCs on the Internet which will open you up to more sharers and quicker updates.

Related: How to Manage Windows Update in Windows 10

Advanced Options

Select and open Advanced options to manage how much data is being exchanged or the amount of bandwidth your PC will use.

Delivery Optimization advanced options

As you can see from the screen, the advanced options allow you to limit the bandwidth used for downloading updates in the background or foreground.

Similarly, Upload settings sliders can limit the bandwidth utilized for uploading updates to other PCs on the internet. You have the option to set a monthly upload limit as well, with the max here being 500 GB. A pie chart at the bottom provides you with an overview of the monthly upload to date and the amount of data left.

Role of Delivery Optimization in a VPN Environment

If you are using a VPN connection in Windows, Delivery Optimisation will get to know of it from the network adapter that will have in its description certain keywords such as "VPN" or "secure." In such a scenario, Delivery Optimization ceases uploading to other peers. This block remains in place until you allow peer-to-peer uploads with the Enable Peer Caching while the device connects via VPN policy.

This Microsoft deployment support page has more details on the different ways to set up delivery optimization over VPN in Windows 10.

Deleting Delivery Optimisation Files After Their Use

Disk clean-up for Drive C

Delivery Optimisation erases all files from the cache automatically when disk space is low. It can also happen when your PC has already been upgraded and your system no longer needs those files. Instead of waiting for Windows, you can always perform Disk Cleanup manually and free up space.

Here is how you do it.

  1. Launch File Explorer and from the options on the left, select This PC.
  2. Right-click on Drive C.
  3. From the menu option that shows, click on Properties.
  4. In the Properties window, under the General tab, click on Disk Clean-up.
  5. In the Disk Clean Up window that opens, you will get to see the files including Delivery Optimisation files that your system no longer needs.

Delivery Optimization Has Been There For a While

The Delivery Optimization feature has been there for a while now and has never been known to have caused any serious security breaches so far. It is well designed and does its intended job well enough. It will source the updated files that your system needs from others in your network, thereby saving your bandwidth.

Windows also provides extensive controls so that you are at the center of the entire process and have complete control over it all.