If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, your computer sets aside some space on your hard drive called Reserved Storage. This space is used by Windows to store temporary files that help keep your computer running smoothly and make sure updates install properly.

What is Reserved Storage?

Windows saves about 7 GB of your hard drive space for things like temporary files, system updates, and caches. This helps your computer:

Run better by keeping temporary files from using up your personal storage.
Install updates without needing extra free space.
Keep storage space usage more predictable and stable.

If you run low on space, Windows will try to clear some of this reserved storage automatically.

Should You Disable Reserved Storage?

You can turn off Reserved Storage if you want to free up disk space. But keep in mind:

Disabling it means Windows might need you to free up space manually before updates.
It might affect how smoothly updates install.

How Much Space Does Reserved Storage Use?

Usually, it starts at about 7 GB, but it can change depending on:

Optional Features: If you have extra Windows features installed, Reserved Storage might grow to support them.
Installed Languages: If you use multiple languages, Reserved Storage might increase.

You can reduce space used by removing optional features or languages you don’t need:

Remove optional features: Settings > Apps > Optional Features
Remove languages: How to remove languages in Windows 11

Before You Start

You need to be signed in as an Administrator to change Reserved Storage settings. Check if you have admin rights.

How to Check if Reserved Storage is On or Off

Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
If you see a dropdown at the top, pick Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
Type one of the following commands and press Enter:

Using PowerShell:

Get-WindowsReservedStorageState

Using Command Prompt:

DISM /Online /Get-ReservedStorageState

You will see if Reserved Storage is Enabled or Disabled.

How to Enable or Disable Reserved Storage

Option 1: Using Command Prompt

Open Windows Terminal (Admin) and select Command Prompt.

To enable Reserved Storage, type and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Enabled

To disable Reserved Storage, type and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled

Close the terminal when done.

Option 2: Using PowerShell

Open Windows Terminal (Admin) and select Windows PowerShell.
To enable Reserved Storage, type and press Enter:
```
Set-WindowsReservedStorageState -State Enabled
```
To disable Reserved Storage, type and press Enter:
```
Set-WindowsReservedStorageState -State Disabled
```
Close the terminal when done.

Option 3: Using Registry Files

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Please back up your registry before making changes.

To Enable Reserved Storage (default):

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v ActiveScenario /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v MiscPolicyInfo /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v PassedPolicy /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v ShippedWithReserves /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To Disable Reserved Storage:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v ActiveScenario /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v MiscPolicyInfo /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v PassedPolicy /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager" /v ShippedWithReserves /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Summary

Here’s what you should remember about Reserved Storage in Windows 11:

Keeps your PC stable: Temporary files don’t fill up your personal storage.
Makes updates easier: Windows uses reserved space first for updates.
You control it: You can turn Reserved Storage on or off if you want.
Requires admin rights: Only administrators can change these settings.

Managing Reserved Storage well can help your Windows run smoothly and keep your updates hassle-free.

Learn More from Microsoft

Storage settings in Windows – Microsoft Support

Categories:

Windows

Tags:

Windows 11

Geek Rewind

How to Enable or Disable Reserved Storage in Windows 11