Update storage
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Recommendation
SituationalLeave the reserve enabled if there is enough disk space; disable it only on a small drive while monitoring free space.
Disabling frees up space, but during a large Windows update it may ask you to free it up manually.
- Scope
- Disk reserve for system operations
- FPS and memory
- FPS is not affected
What changes
Section titled “What changes”Reserved storage is the part of the disk that Windows sets aside in advance for updates, apps, temporary files and system caches. According to Microsoft documentation, this guarantees critical system functions access to disk space. The size depends on the system and is not fixed: in the visible BoosterX description it is on the order of 7 GB, not a guaranteed 7 GB.
The reserve has a life of its own: when space runs short, Windows may temporarily use it for other operations, and after major updates it may restore it. The BoosterX setting disables the reserve and frees up the space it occupied.
Exceptions and differences
Section titled “Exceptions and differences”Microsoft documents that the reserve is enabled automatically on new PCs with preinstalled Windows 10 version 1903 and on a clean install, but not when upgrading from a previous version. After disabling it, free up space yourself before updating Windows components. Additional limitations are covered in the delivery and storage research.
How to verify the result
Section titled “How to verify the result”- Open Settings → System → Storage → Show more categories → System data and note the size.
- Disable the setting and repeat the check: the reserved part should be freed up.
- Enable the setting again and make sure the category has grown back.
How to change and revert
Section titled “How to change and revert”In BoosterX, open “Optimization” → “Tweaks” → “Disk and file system” → “Update storage”, move the toggle to the desired state and click “Apply”. If “Instant apply” is enabled, a separate click is not required. Compare the “System data” size in Storage settings.
Confirmation
Section titled “Confirmation”- Microsoft: Reserved storage, checked 2026-09-19 — the purpose of the reserve and automatic enabling.
- Delivery and storage research — the scope of the storage policies.
Last checked: 2026-09-20.