In the digital era, smooth software updates are crucial for system security and functionality. Microsoft, with its Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, has recognized the need to facilitate uninterrupted update processes. The company introduced “Reserved Storage,” a feature designed to ensure updates don’t hit roadblocks due to insufficient disk space. Reserved Storage earmarks a portion of your internal hard disk, typically around 7 GB, specifically for Windows’ use. This space accommodates not only updates but also temporary files, applications, system caches, and more. With a reserved storage, Microsoft aims to create a buffer, ensuring that the update process has adequate space to download, extract, and install seamlessly. According to the tech giant, the exact amount of reserved storage may vary based on device usage over time. However, it’s a pivotal component, ensuring that Windows operates optimally even when the system partition runs low on space. Dive into this risewindows article as we guide you through the steps to enable or disable reserved storage on Windows 10 and 11.
How to Enable or Disable Reserved Storage Space on Windows 11?
If you want to know how much space your system uses before disabling the reserved storage space on Windows 11, do the following:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys from the keyboard.
Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, select the System category from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click the Storage tab from the right sidebar.
Step 4. After that, click the Advanced storage settings.
Step 5. Next, select the option Storage used on other drives.
Step 6. Now, select “C” drive from the list of available volumes.
Step 7. Select System & reserved to see your computer Reserved storage.
Step 8. Once it is complete, you can view the Reserved storage. On my computer, Windows reserved storage is 7.72GB.
Step 9. Now that you are familiar with reserved storage on Windows 11 open an elevated command prompt to proceed further with disabling the reserved storage.
Step 10. In the administrative Command Prompt, copy and paste the following line and then hit Enter from the keyboard to execute it:-
DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled
Now, reserved storage will disappear from the Windows Settings.
Step 11. For recreating the reserved storage on your Windows 11 computer, use the following command instead:-
DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Enabled
Once you execute the above command, Windows 11 will reoccupy storage and keep for reserve for Windows updates, temporary files, etc.
How to Turn On or Off Reserved Storage Space on Windows 10?
As mentioned above, there is no option available in the Settings app to disable the Reserved Storage Space in Windows 10 before proceeding with further steps. Even there is a workaround that lets you disable it. Firstly, we will show you how to view the Reserved Storage Space and then how to disable it.
Step 1. As usual, open the Settings app.
Step 2. Now, click on the System.
Step 3. Then, select the Storage option in the left sidebar.
Step 4. After that, on the right-sidebar, click the System & reserved option.
Step 5. Next, on the “System & reserved” setting page, you can view the reserved storage under the “Reserved storage” section.
Step 6. Now that you have seen the reserved storage on your Windows 10, open an elevated command prompt to proceed further with disabling the reserved storage.
Step 7. When Command Prompt with administrator rights opens, copy and paste the following line and then hit the Enter key on the keyboard to execute it:-
DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled
Step 8. After completing the above command, reserved storage will disappear from the Windows Settings. You can view the same by navigating to Settings > System > Storage.
Step 9. In the administrative Command Prompt, copy and paste the following line and then hit the Enter key on the keyboard to execute it and enable the reserved storage again on your PC:-
DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Enabled
Also Read: How to Increase or Decrease Recycle Bin Storage Settings on Windows 11/10/8/7?
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, software updates play a pivotal role in ensuring security and enhanced system functionality. Microsoft, with its Windows 10 and 11 updates, has been proactive in addressing update challenges with the introduction of “Reserved Storage.” This feature secures a segment of your computer’s disk space specifically for Windows updates and other system necessities. This article provided step-by-step guidelines on how to enable or disable the reserved storage feature for both Windows 10 and 11, granting users more control over their system’s storage management.
