How to Disable Reserved Storage in Windows 11 and Free Up Space on the System Drive

Reserved storage in Windows 11 is a feature that allocates a portion of disk space for system updates, cache, and temporary files. While it helps maintain system stability, some users may need extra space on their system drive. This article explains how to disable Windows 11 reserved storage to free up disk space.

What is Reserved Storage in Windows 11?

Reserved storage was introduced in Windows 10 and continues in Windows 11, allocating around 7-10 GB of disk space for temporary files that the system may need. This ensures there’s enough space for essential updates, preventing issues from low disk space during installations.

Is it Safe to Disable Reserved Storage?

Yes, disabling reserved storage is generally safe and doesn’t negatively affect system performance. However, without it, temporary files and update caches will use general free space, which could impact update processes if the space runs low.

Steps to Disable Reserved Storage

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator

To disable reserved storage, you’ll need to access PowerShell with administrative rights:

  • Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  • Confirm the privilege escalation request by clicking Yes if prompted.

2. Run the Command to Disable Reserved Storage

Enter the following command and press Enter:

Disable-WindowsReservedStorage

This command disables reserved storage on the system drive. If successful, you’ll receive a notification confirming completion.

3. Restart Your Computer

After running the command, restart your computer to apply the changes. This will allow Windows to adjust its system space usage without reserved storage.

How to Check if Space Has Been Freed?

After restarting, you can check the available space on your disk by following these steps:

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC.
  • Find Local Disk (C:) and see if the free space has increased.

Potential Consequences of Disabling Reserved Storage

Disabling reserved storage can free up disk space, but it may result in the system using general disk space for temporary files, which could cause issues if space becomes too limited. A lack of free space could disrupt update installations.

How to Re-enable Reserved Storage

If you notice decreased system stability after disabling this feature, you can always re-enable reserved storage. Run the following command in PowerShell with administrative rights:

Enable-WindowsReservedStorage

After running the command, restart your computer, and the system will reserve the necessary space again.