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Windows 10 will finally fix one of the biggest Windows annoyances

Published Mar 17th, 2015 6:50AM EDT
Window 10 Update: Storage
Image: Microsoft

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Microsoft’s upcoming major desktop and mobile operating system update will bring over a bunch of interesting features that users will certainly appreciate, including the return of the Start menu, Cortana virtual assistant integration, and a faster way to receive Windows updates in the future, to name just a few. But that’s hardly the full list of new Windows 10 features the company is toying with, and Microsoft has offered more details about one more exciting functionality planned for the new release.

FROM EARLIER: New Windows 10 leak brings one feature you’re going to love

Unlike previous Windows versions, which requires plenty of storage space, it looks like Windows 10 will be a lot slimmer, which means Windows fans will have even more available storage space on machines that ship with limited built-in memory in the first place, especially affordable Windows smartphones and tablets.

Microsoft will not store a recovery image locally, which could free up to 12GB of precious storage space, depending on how OEMs handle their recovery features.

Furthermore up to 2.5GB of storage could be saved by compressing system files, assuming the hardware can take the additional toll that comes with such a procedure, as the company wants to do it “without compromising human-perceivable system responsiveness.”

Finally, The Register speculates that Microsoft might also be interested in removing some of the bloatware that some OEMs preload on Windows machines, effectively freeing even more storage space which would then be available to the user.

“We are also redesigning Windows’ Refresh and Reset functionalities to no longer use a separate recovery image (often preinstalled by manufacturers today) in order to bring Windows devices back to a pristine state,” is the quote the publication refers to, suggesting a “pristine” state of Windows might equal a bloat-free Windows 10 installation.

More details on Microsoft’s plan to improve storage on future Windows 10 devices are available on the company’s official blog, accessible at the source link.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.