How to Change the Maximum Storage for Snapshots in Windows 11
Windows 11's snapshot storage limit controls how much disk space is used for saving screen captures. Adjusting this limit ensures you have enough room for important saved images. Users can change the maximum storage size, which defaults to a specific amount, to better manage their computer's hard drive.
Open Settings, navigate to Privacy & security, then Recall & Snapshots. Adjust the “Maximum storage for snapshots” slider to your desired limit. Your changes are saved automatically.
Recall & Snapshots in Windows 11 acts like a photo album for your computer, saving pictures of your screen. This snapshot feature lets you search through past screen images to find information you viewed earlier. Windows 11 released with this snapshot capability.
Windows 11's snapshot feature helps users remember screen content without manually taking pictures. This feature stores a history of what appears on your display, acting as a visual diary of your computer use.
Windows snapshot storage uses a specific amount of space on your computer. Windows automatically deletes older snapshots when the storage limit is reached to free up space for new ones. Users can change this snapshot storage limit to better manage their disk space.
What happens when you change the limit? Windows will use only the amount of storage you choose. Older snapshots get deleted automatically when you hit your new limit.
Want to keep more snapshots or free up space? You can easily manage how much storage Recall & Snapshots uses. If your PC is running low on storage, you can also delete snapshots anytime by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & Snapshots.
Storage Options for Different PC Sizes
| Device Storage Size | Storage Options for Snapshots |
|---|---|
| 256 GB | 25 GB (default), 10 GB |
| 512 GB | 75 GB (default), 50 GB, 25 GB |
| 1 TB or more | 150 GB (default), 100 GB, 75 GB, 50 GB, 25 GB |
Steps to Change Maximum Storage for Snapshots in 🪟 Windows 11
- Open Windows Settings:
- Click the Start menu (Windows icon) and select Settings.
- Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
Changing the maximum storage for snapshots in Windows 11 is simple and helps you manage your disk space better.
- Go to Privacy & security:
- In the Settings window, click Privacy & security on the left side menu.
Windows 11 Privacy & Security menu in Settings - Find Recall & Snapshots:
- On the right side, scroll down and click Recall & Snapshots.
- Make sure the Save snapshots feature is turned ON.
- Adjust the storage limit:
- Click on the Storage section to expand it.
- Here, adjust the Maximum storage for snapshots slider or dropdown to pick how much space Windows should use for snapshots.
Change maximum storage for recall and snapshots - Save your changes:
- Close Settings when you’re done. Your new storage limit will be saved automatically!
Helpful Tips
- If you want to save more snapshots, choose a bigger storage size—but make sure you have enough free space on your PC.
- If your PC is low on disk space, pick a smaller size or delete some snapshots to free up space.
- You can always turn off the snapshot feature if you don’t want Windows to save snapshots.
When adjusting your Windows 11 snapshots storage, remember to pick a size that fits your available disk space.
Summary
Adjusting the maximum storage for snapshots in Windows 11 is an easy way to control how much space these saves use on your computer.- Changing the max storage for snapshots is easy and helps you manage space on your PC.
- You can choose how much space Windows uses to keep snapshots safe.
- Access the settings anytime through the Privacy & security section in Windows Settings.
- Adjusting storage helps keep your important snapshots without filling up your hard drive.
Where do snapshots go in 🪟 Windows 11?
By default, Windows 11 saves every ⊞ Win+PrtSc screenshot to your Pictures\Screenshots folder. It's a simple setup that works until your C: drive fills up or you need screenshots synced to OneDrive.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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