How to Disable Reserved Storage in Windows 10 & 11 (Reclaim Up to 7 GB in 2026)

What Is Reserved Storage in Windows?

Reserved Storage in Windows is a background feature introduced in Windows 10 version 1903 and carried into Windows 11 that reserves 3 to 7 GB of disk space for system updates, temporary files, and cache. Designed to prevent update failures due to low storage, this space is permanently withheld—even when your drive is nearly full. Most users never realize this hidden allocation is eating into their usable storage.

How Reserved Storage Works in Windows 10 and 11

Windows automatically allocates Reserved Storage during installation or major updates. This space is used for:

• Downloading and staging cumulative updates
• Storing temporary files during Windows Update operations
• Caching system restore points and rollback data
• Supporting feature updates without user intervention

Microsoft designed this to ensure updates complete reliably, especially on devices with limited storage like 128 GB SSDs. The system prioritizes this space over apps and user files, which can cause frustration when free space appears low.

Step-by-Step: Disable Reserved Storage via Command Line

To reclaim this space, use the built-in DISM tool in Windows 10 and 11:

1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
2. Enter this command: dism /online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled
3. Press Enter and wait for confirmation
4. Restart your PC to apply changes

After rebooting, open Settings > System > Storage to see your reclaimed space. Users report gains of 3–7 GB, significantly improving usable capacity on low-storage devices.

Risks of Turning Off Reserved Storage

While disabling Reserved Storage is safe and non-destructive, it removes Microsoft’s buffer for updates. Potential risks include:

• Windows Update failures if disk space drops below 1–2 GB
• Partial updates leaving the system unstable
• Delayed or blocked feature updates in Windows 11

Security experts recommend disabling Reserved Storage only if you actively monitor storage usage and maintain at least 10–15% free space on your system drive.

Best Practices After Disabling Reserved Storage

Once you’ve reclaimed the space, optimize your system to avoid future storage issues:

• Enable Storage Sense (Settings > System > Storage) to auto-delete temp files
• Regularly clean Windows Update cache using cleanmgr /sageset:1 and cleanmgr /sagerun:1
• Uninstall unused apps and clear browser caches
• Check for large files using Storage > Advanced storage settings > Temporary files

These habits help maintain performance without relying on Reserved Storage. Microsoft has not provided a GUI toggle, but community-verified methods remain safe and effective.

Should You Disable Reserved Storage in 2026?

Power users with 512 GB+ drives and disciplined cleanup routines benefit from reclaiming 7 GB. Those using 128 GB or 256 GB drives, or who rely on automatic updates, should keep it enabled.

Remember: Disabling Reserved Storage doesn’t stop updates—it just removes the safety net. If you’re unsure, leave it on and use Storage Sense instead.