storage requirements Archives

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Google finally explains why AICore uses so much storage

Google's AICore app enhances on-device AI capabilities for Android users, offering features like text summarization and proofreading. The app's significant storage usage is by design, as it temporarily retains both old and new versions of AI models during updates for reliability, which can lead to storage consumption of up to 11GB. This approach aims to prevent disruptions in functionality during updates. Once the new update is stable, the extra storage will be released automatically. Users are concerned about storage limitations, particularly on devices with 128GB base storage, and are advocating for a standardization of 256GB base storage for AI-enabled Android phones.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

I investigated Windows 11’s massive 5GB monthly .msu updates. AI is only part of the problem.

Windows 11 updates have significantly increased in size, with monthly cumulative updates often exceeding 4GB and some approaching 5GB. One update can expand to nearly 9GB when extracted. Microsoft has shifted to delivering Latest Cumulative Updates (LCUs), which include all previous fixes, leading to larger update sizes over time. The introduction of Checkpoint Cumulative Updates aims to reduce this growth by establishing periodic baselines, but the effectiveness has been mixed. The May 2025 cumulative update saw a size increase from approximately 6.5GB to nearly 9GB, with new MSIX files related to semantic search and on-device AI contributing to this growth. Windows Update uses applicability logic to minimize download sizes for users, but enterprises must download full packages, resulting in increased storage costs. The average yearly storage cost for enterprises rose from about 11 GB in 2024 to 52 GB by 2026. Users can check their actual download sizes through the Windows Update settings and Event Viewer logs.

TrendTechie

March 12, 2026

Anna’s Archive выложили на торренты 6,4 ТБ музыки из Spotify — это лишь малая часть всего архива

The Anna’s Archive project has released approximately 2.8 million audio files, totaling around 6.4 terabytes, from Spotify's database. The files are distributed through 47 torrent distributions and include music, individual releases, and metadata. The initial release features the least popular tracks, labeled as "pop_0," and contains embedded metadata such as track, album, artist, label, and publisher information. Anna’s Archive aims to preserve music and plans to publish more files in phases. Spotify has responded by disabling accounts involved in illegal scraping and has filed a lawsuit against the operators of Anna’s Archive, claiming damages in the trillions for copyright infringement. Some domains associated with Anna’s Archive have been disabled through court orders, prompting the service to consider relocating its infrastructure. Maintaining the full estimated catalog of 300 terabytes may require two to three times more storage space, potentially needing around 50 hard drives of 18 to 20 terabytes each.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

TT Games downgrades PC requirements after initially suggesting players needed 32GB RAM to meet “recommended” spec

TT Games has revised the PC specifications for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, lowering the recommended RAM from 32GB to 16GB. The minimum requirements now include a 64-bit processor and operating system, Windows 11, Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT graphics, 50GB storage space, and an SSD. The recommended specifications include an Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics, and the same storage requirements. The game is set to launch on May 29, 2026, and will be available on multiple platforms.

Winsage

February 10, 2026

De-Enshittify Windows 11: OneDrive ⭐

Microsoft has auto-enabled the OneDrive Folder Backup feature in Windows 11 version 25H2 without notifying users, syncing the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically. Many users may not want these folders synced due to containing sensitive or large files. Disabling Folder Backup can be cumbersome, as it requires users to decide where to store contents, complicating content management. Unlike previous versions, this feature is activated post-login without user consent. To uninstall OneDrive, users can go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, locate Microsoft OneDrive, and select "Uninstall." Uninstalling does not delete cloud-stored files, which remain accessible via the OneDrive website or app. Users can prevent OneDrive from enabling Folder Backup during PC setup by acting quickly after the Windows Setup Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and canceling the backup process when prompted. If Folder Backup is already enabled, users can disable it by accessing OneDrive settings and managing backups for the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free cloud storage, with additional storage requiring a subscription to Microsoft 365. Users can disable “On this day” memory notifications in OneDrive settings. To move OneDrive to a different disk, users must unlink their account and select a new folder path during re-sign-in.

TrendTechie

December 24, 2025

Со Spotify скачали 86 млн песен, компания начала расследование, метаданные архива доступны в сети

Anna’s Archive, a non-profit meta-search engine, has acquired 86 million songs and metadata for 256 million compositions from Spotify as part of a project to create a global music archive. Founded by a group of anonymous archivists in response to law enforcement actions against Z-Library, Anna’s Archive aims to preserve digital content and make it accessible to the public. The organization has faced numerous takedown requests but remains a popular platform for pirated content. The Spotify project began after hackers found a way to collect data from the platform, focusing on preserving lesser-known music alongside popular tracks. Anna’s Archive has collected 186 million unique ISRC codes, surpassing existing public databases. Currently, only metadata has been released, with plans to distribute music files starting with popular tracks. Spotify has acknowledged the unauthorized access and is investigating the incident, having blocked accounts involved in data scraping and implemented new security measures. The legality of Anna’s Archive's activities raises questions, as the extraction and distribution of audio files may violate copyright laws and Spotify's terms of service.

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Running Blockchain Games: Android Requirements & Compatibility

Blockchain games use distributed ledgers to store assets and data, including progress tracking and digital economies. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency integration have transformed digital entertainment, leading to the development of popular Web3 RPG titles like Axie Infinity. Games built on blockchain networks require devices with minimum requirements for Android version compatibility, CPU and GPU performance, RAM, storage, wallet integration, network connectivity, security, and battery life.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

A 23GB Helldivers 2 Is Better Than A 154GB Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 was initially reported to require 154GB of storage, aimed at accommodating older mechanical hard drives in PCs. However, analytics revealed that only 11% of players used HDDs, and the main cause of slowdowns was level generation rather than asset loading. In response, Arrowhead is testing a "slim" version of the game in public beta, which is 23GB, significantly reducing the storage requirement while maintaining gameplay integrity. This change allows players to install additional games, potentially fitting at least 13 indie city-builders in the space previously occupied by the original version.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

In the nick of time, Helldivers 2 rolls out a “slim version” shrinking file sizes by a whopping 85% on PC: “It’s a low-risk way to save ~131GB of space on your drive”

Arrowhead Game Studios has reduced the file size of Helldivers 2 for PC by 85%, from 154GB to approximately 23GB. A public technical beta is currently underway, allowing select users to experience the new file size and provide feedback. Players can still matchmake with others and opt-out of the beta at any time. If successful, the slim version will become the standard, with plans to phase out the legacy version next year. The latest patch also includes balance changes and bug fixes, though some players are disappointed by the removal of the feature that allowed "Factory Striders" to be launched erratically.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Helldivers 2 Dev Explains Why The Game Takes Up So Much Space On PC

Helldivers 2 has a storage requirement of 150GB on PC, which is about three times larger than on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The large install size is designed to accommodate PC users with mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) by duplicating data to improve loading times, although this is unnecessary for users with solid state drives (SSDs). Current estimates suggest that around 12% of PC gamers still use HDDs, but reliable data on this is lacking. Arrowhead Game Studio plans to reduce the game's file size in an upcoming update and bundle common assets to minimize duplication, though this may slightly increase load times for HDD users. The studio aims to keep load times under 30 seconds and is also working on improving its engine and compression techniques. Additionally, Arrowhead's CEO expressed a commitment to the game's longevity rather than developing a sequel, and the studio is addressing various technical issues with planned updates.