MICROSOFT has introduced a new security feature in Windows 11 that restricts non-administrative users from accessing the Storage Settings area, which includes Storage Sense, cleanup recommendations, backup protocols, storage spaces, and disk and volume management. The change, implemented with the KB5074105 update, means that attempting to access Storage Settings will trigger a User Account Control prompt demanding administrative credentials.
The Settings sub-menu in System now effectively locks down management of ephemeral data such as the Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization files, and system thumbnails, with access limited to administrators. Industry observers note that while non-privileged users can still manually empty the Recycle Bin or delete individual files, the new regime prioritises centralised control for enterprise IT teams to oversee automated maintenance and data purging. The update was disseminated by Microsoft last week and is part of a broader shift towards heightened file-system security in Windows 11.