Windows 11 has introduced a feature called Reserved Storage to improve system performance and updates. This reserved space ensures your system has enough storage for updates, temporary files, and system caches.
However, this reserved storage can take up a significant amount of disk space, especially on devices with limited storage capacity. If you want to free up that space, you might consider disabling Reserved Storage.
Disabling Reserved Storage can help you reclaim disk space, but it’s important to understand what it does before proceeding. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step in the simplest way possible.
Follow along carefully to avoid any unintended issues with Windows updates or system performance.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 device. You will need these to change system settings.
- Reserved Storage is designed to help keep your system running smoothly during updates, so disabling it might affect update reliability.
- It’s a good idea to create a system restore point before making changes. This lets you undo changes if something goes wrong.
- Check your current storage usage to confirm how much space Reserved Storage is using. You can do this by opening Settings > System > Storage.
How to Disable Reserved Storage in Windows 11
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as Administrator
First, you need to open Windows Terminal with administrator rights to run the necessary commands.
- Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type Windows Terminal in the search bar.
- Right-click on Windows Terminal from the search results, then choose Run as administrator.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.
This step is crucial because only administrator accounts can modify Reserved Storage settings.
Step 2: Check Current Reserved Storage Status
Before disabling Reserved Storage, you can check its current size and status with a simple command.
DISM.exe /Online /Get-ReservedStorageStateType or paste this command into the Windows Terminal and press Enter. You will see if Reserved Storage is enabled or disabled.
Step 3: Disable Reserved Storage
To disable Reserved Storage, you will run the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:DisabledType or paste this command and press Enter. This tells Windows to turn off Reserved Storage.
After running this command, it’s recommended to restart your computer so the changes take effect properly.
Step 4: Verify Reserved Storage Is Disabled
Once your PC restarts, open Windows Terminal as administrator again and run this command to confirm the change:
DISM.exe /Online /Get-ReservedStorageStateIf the output shows that Reserved Storage is disabled, you have successfully freed up the reserved disk space.
Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Disable Reserved Storage
If you prefer, you can use PowerShell instead of Windows Terminal. The steps are similar:
- Open Start, type PowerShell, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
- Enter the command to disable Reserved Storage:
DISM.exe /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:DisabledRestart your PC and verify the status as explained in earlier steps.
FAQs About Disabling Reserved Storage in Windows 11
Q: What happens if I disable Reserved Storage?
A: Disabling Reserved Storage frees up disk space but may affect Windows update reliability and performance during updates.
Q: Can I re-enable Reserved Storage later?
A: Yes. To re-enable, run the command DISM.exe /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Enabled in an elevated terminal.
Q: Will disabling Reserved Storage delete any files?
A: No, it only changes how Windows reserves space for updates, it doesn’t delete personal files.
Q: Is Reserved Storage available on all Windows 11 devices?
A: Reserved Storage is enabled by default on most Windows 11 devices, especially fresh installations.
Q: Will disabling Reserved Storage improve my PC’s speed?
A: It frees up disk space but does not directly improve system speed. However, more free space can help overall performance.
When Nothing Works
If you encounter issues or Reserved Storage does not disable correctly, consider these options:
- Make sure you are running the commands in an elevated (administrator) terminal.
- Check that your Windows 11 version is up to date.
- Run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Visit the official Microsoft support page for more detailed help: Microsoft Support.
Conclusion
Disabling Reserved Storage in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to free up disk space, especially on devices with limited storage. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can safely turn off this feature and reclaim valuable space.
Remember to weigh the benefits of having Reserved Storage against the need for extra disk space. If you change your mind, re-enabling Reserved Storage is just as easy.
Always proceed with caution when changing system settings and ensure you have backups or system restore points just in case. Freeing up space can help keep your device running smoothly, and now you know exactly how to do it.