Want to disable reserved storage for Windows Updates? Microsoft will start reserving 7GB of primary disk space for installing new Windows 10 updates on compatible devices, without which you won’t be able to download feature updates. If your SSD or hard disk is running low on storage space and you don’t want to remove important files to clear the way for new releases, here is how to block the requirement of 7GB disk space for Windows Updates.
The Redmond tech company announced a new policy regarding its Windows update process according to which the operating system will automatically corner up to 7GB storage for the purpose of installing new Windows 10 updates. The future releases will hog a portion of the primary disk space for Windows updates, system files, cache, etc. This can be a problem especially on devices where the room is already limited to accommodate the necessary disk space allocation requirement.
The main reason behind this step appears to be related to the issues that have surfaced in the most recent Windows 10 Version 1809 Update back in October, which wiped out data on certain devices without prior warning. The Insider Preview Build program has already started working on this feature that is purported to help users avoid data-loss issues after installing a new update.
The rationale is understandable but this could also mean a further headache for the owners of devices with low storage or older devices heretofore grappling with meager system resources and could do without Microsoft putting aside substantial space for installing updates.
Related: How To Fix Windows 10 Version 1809 Update Install Stuck Issue
The company is of the view that this will help “improve the day-to-day function of your PC by ensuring critical OS functions always have access to disk space.” However, there is a sizeable portion of Windows users who don’t fancy the idea of Microsoft exercising control over their systems. If you are among those who find it hard to warm up to reserved storage for updates on Windows 10, here is how to disable it.
Disable Reserve Storage For Windows 10 Updates
Microsoft is yet to officially issue this guide for disabling reserved storage. As per the reports, the company has said that customers can set reduced reserved storage by disabling certain unimportant features built into the operating system, such as additional languages, and others.
Related: You Can Now Delay Updates On Windows 10 Home Edition, Here’s How
But, it seems it is possible to completely disable reserved storage on Windows 10. Do note that the option to turn off Windows 10 reserved storage is only available to the Fast Ring members and is expected to be rolled out to everyone with the official version Windows 10 1903 update in April 2019. If you are already enrolled in the Fast ring as an insider, here are the steps to test the feature:
- On your Windows 10 device, press Windows Key + R to open dialogue box, and type regedit to enter Registry Editor.
- Now navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReserveManager
- On the right-pane panel, locate and select ShippedWithReserves.
- Now double-click it and under Value set it to 0 and close the registry editor.
- Restart your PC.
If you change your mind about reserved storage in the future, simply repeat the above steps and change the value back to 1.
Now to check how much space has been put to one side, click Start and search “Storage settings”, then click Show more categories > System & reserved > Reserved storage size.
The reserved storage option is still very much in an early testing stage and this tutorial may not work on all devices. It is also likely that Microsoft decides against releasing this feature to the public if the feedback from the insiders isn’t satisfactory.
