The Microsoft Windows operating system provides low disk space warnings, to help alert users when their computer hard drive has 200 MB, 80 MB, and 50 MB of free space remaining. If a computer has multiple disk drives (e.g., C: and D:) or partitions, the low disk space warnings are provided for each drive and partition.

Some computers have a hidden partition for storing files needed to restore the computer to the original software and settings. The hidden restore partition is often large enough to store all the needed files, leaving less than 100 MB of free space. Unfortunately, the low disk space warning will pop-up frequently for the restore partition, and there is no way to increase the space for that partition.

If you want to disable the low disk space warnings, especially if your computer has a hidden restore partition, follow the steps below.

  • Open the Windows Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following registry key.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

  • In the right side for the Explorer key, right-click a blank area and select New > DWORD Value.
  • Type NoLowDiskSpaceChecks as the name for the new DWORD value.
  • Double-click the new DWORD value and set the value to 1.
  • Close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your computer for the new DWORD value to take effect and disable the low disk space warnings.
  • How to find how much hard drive space is available.
  • How to regain computer hard drive space.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.