Windows 10 and 11 reserve disk space for offline and cache files, but that space taken can get out of hand. In the default setting, this can take up to 25 percent of the storage space. On a modern 1-terabyte drive, this could be 250 gigabytes. Fortunately, you can delete cache files.
Cache files and offline files undoubtedly have their uses, but on today’s hard drives, 25 percent is a bit much. Especially if you rarely access these files. You can limit the disk space for these files. If your computer is running Windows 10/11 pro, it is equipped with the Local Group Policy Editorâ€
To see it, use the Windows key+R and with that you open To carry out†In the window To carry out do you type gpedit.msc†Then press Enter or click on OK†This will open the Local Group Policy Editorâ€
Windows 10/11 Home
This tool contains a large amount of setting options that are actually also present in Windows 10/11 Home, but are hidden under the hood. If you also want to use this editor in the Home version of Windows, you must first install a file made available by Itechtics†The zip contains a text file with the explanation.
Right click on the file gpedit-enabler.bat and run it as administrator. It is a script that Local Group Policy Editor based on the installation files that are actually already in Windows 10/11-Home. The program is therefore not downloaded via the internet.
Configure
With the editor open, navigate to Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Network / Offline Files†In the right part of the dialog box, double click Limit disk space taken up by Offline Files†Note that this item has the status set to Not configured†In this window you activate the option Switched on†You can then enter the value in a percentage or in a number of megabytes, depending on the Windows version.
By the way, on the right you read that if the policy setting is not configured, the offline files can take up to 25 percent of the available storage space. Confirm with OK†The change will not take effect until you restart your computer.
