Windows Servicing Packages Folder (C:\Windows\servicing\Packages)

Bottom Line: Exercise Caution. You should NOT manually delete files inside C:\Windows\servicing\Packages. Deleting .mum or .cat servicing package files directly will corrupt Windows Update servicing and cause DISM errors.

What is the servicing/Packages Folder?

Located at C:\Windows\servicing\Packages, this system directory is managed by the Component Based Servicing (CBS) engine in Windows.

Windows servicing uses this folder to store:

• Package Manifest Files (.mum): XML manifests listing installed Windows update packages, language packs, and optional features.
• Security Catalogs (.cat): Cryptographic signatures validating Windows system file integrity.

When installing Windows updates or enabling Optional Features (like Hyper-V or WSL), CBS reads manifest files in servicing\Packages.

Can You Delete servicing/Packages?

⚠️ Caution Required.

• Do NOT delete manually: Deleting manifest files directly will cause Windows Update to fail permanently with error 0x800f081f (CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING).
• Safe to clean via DISM: You can safely compress superseded servicing packages using DISM.

How to Safely Clean Up Windows Servicing

Method 1: Using DISM Component Cleanup (Recommended)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run DISM to remove obsolete superseded update packages safely:

   Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase

Related Guides

• Learn about deleting WinSxS folder.
• How to clean up CBS Persist cab files.
• Check if you can clean SoftwareDistribution folder.