Troubleshooting: Operation Not Supported When Reserved Storage is Enabled

Key Notes

  • Understand the role of Reserved Storage in Windows management.
  • Follow systematic steps to troubleshoot the error.
  • Utilize Disk Cleanup to free up necessary space.

Resolving the ‘This Operation is Not Supported When Reserved Storage is in Use’ Error in Windows

The ‘This operation is not supported when reserved storage is in use’ message can cause frustration among Windows users. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining your system’s efficiency.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Step 1: Wait for the Update or System Operation to Finish

When Windows is utilizing Reserved Storage for an update or any system operation, it may create a temporary blockage, leading to the mentioned error. To check if operations are ongoing, access Windows Update by pressing Win + I and selecting it from the settings menu. If updates are actively downloading or installing, a status message will indicate the progress.

Pro Tip: Be patient—complete any ongoing updates before attempting your next operation.

Step 2: Pause Windows Updates Temporarily

Temporarily halting Windows updates can prevent Windows from accessing Reserved Storage. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and click Pause for 1 week to pause updates. Restart your intended operation to see if the issue persists.

Step 3: Disable Reserved Storage in Safe Mode

If you encounter an error while attempting to disable Reserved Storage, try booting into Safe Mode. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter. Under the Boot tab, check Safe boot and select Minimal. Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Pro Tip: After entering Safe Mode, you have a higher chance of successfully disabling Reserved Storage.

Step 4: Perform Disk Cleanup

Utilizing the Disk Cleanup utility removes unnecessary files from your system. Access it by pressing the Windows key, typing Disk Cleanup, and choosing the app. Select the drive, opt for files to delete, and click OK.

Pro Tip: Running Disk Cleanup can substantially free up space, thus avoiding storage-related issues in the future.

Additional Tips for Managing Reserved Storage

  • Always keep an eye on available disk space.
  • Avoid frequent device restarts while updates are in progress.
  • Consider upgrading your storage if you continuously face issues.

Summary

In summary, the error ‘This operation is not supported when reserved storage is in use’ can be addressed through methodical steps. Starting with waiting for updates and potentially utilizing Safe Mode to manage Reserved Storage is crucial for efficient troubleshooting.

Conclusion

By understanding how Reserved Storage functions and following the outlined steps, you can effectively resolve this issue and ensure your Windows experience remains smooth and trouble-free.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I disable Reserved Storage in DISM?

To disable Reserved Storage in Windows using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM), open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command: DISM.exe /Online /Set-ReservedStorageState /State:Disabled. Restart your computer after executing this command.

Should you disable Reserved Storage?

Disabling Reserved Storage is an option if you’re critically low on space or need to perform certain tasks. However, it is generally recommended to keep it enabled to ensure Windows has the necessary resources for updates and system maintenance.