Question regarding automatic cleanup of "InstallPackages" folder SOLVED

[rakunavi]

Hello all,

PDF-XChange Updater automatically saves installation files to the folder under "C:\ProgramData\PDF-XChange\Updater\InstallPackages". It seems that these files are organized by product type and build, and older versions remain stored there as well.

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Does the updater have a rule to automatically delete these files after a certain period? Or do they stay in the storage indefinitely unless manually deleted?

If it's the latter, this folder could be a very useful place for users whose license maintenance has expired to find the specific older installers they need.

Thank you for taking the time to read my question.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor PRO Version: 10.8.4 build 409
- OS Version: Windows 11 Pro / Home 25H2 Build 26200.7840
- PC Model: GMKtec Nucbox M7 Pro with HUION Kamvas Pro 19 / Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hello, rakunavi

I Believe that the updater is supposed to remove the older builds after they have been used, so this would be an unreliable at best location to go hunting down older versions, especially since the version of the software you initially installed would not be in the list of installers it has downloaded.
I reckon the older versions may still be present on your device due to your personal use patterns (possibly related to your testing habits and I expect, some semi-frequent manual reinstallation, like I myself tend to do).

Generally speaking, unless you are looking into these folders and manually copying the installer out of them before running the update (to store the installer elsewhere), it is unlikely this location will help as you suggest.

Kind regards,

[rakunavi]

Hello Daniel, thank you for your reply.

From what you've told me, it sounds like old builds don't accumulate as long as the software is used normally. In my case, I usually move the installer package to another location and delete it immediately after installation, so I wasn't sure how it would behave. I'm glad to have that cleared up. It makes sense from a design perspective—if multiple 500MB files were piling up without the user knowing, it would inevitably lead to complaints.

I remember back when PDF-XChange Updater (Tracker Updater) ran from "C:\ProgramData\Tracker Software\TrackerUpdate." At that time, packages were temporarily saved in the "Download" subfolder but were deleted the moment the installation finished. I recall having to manually copy the files mid-installation if I wanted to keep them.

Compared to those days, the current PDF-XChange Updater is much more convenient. It keeps the installer for the currently installed build on the local storage even after the setup is complete. This is a big help when installing on other machines, as it avoids putting unnecessary strain on PDF-XChange’s servers and network bandwidth every time.

Best regards,
rakunavi

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

[rakunavi]

Hello Daniel,

Since my last post, I have been tracking how the contents of the "InstallPackages" folder change with each update across multiple PCs.

As a result, I confirmed that it always retains up to two generations of installation packages: the currently installed version and the immediately preceding one. For instance, right now, both Version 11.0.0 and Version 11.0.1 coexist in the folder.

• figure.png

Just thought I would share this for your reference.

Best regards,
rakunavi

- PDF-XChange Editor PRO Version: 11.0.1
- OS Version: Windows 11 Pro / Home 25H2 Build 26200.8655
- PC Model: GMKtec Nucbox M7 Pro with HUION Kamvas Pro 19 / Lenovo IdeaPad C340-15IWL

[Sean - PDF-XChange]

Hi Rakunavi,

That's great, thanks for the extra information/clarification here.

Kind regards,