Shadow PC storage works through subscription tiers, not upgrades
Shadow PC does not let you add storage to your existing account the way you would upgrade a physical computer. Instead, you choose a storage tier when you sign up, and changing it means switching to a different subscription plan. Shadow offers three storage sizes: 256 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. If you need more space than your current plan includes, you cancel your existing subscription and sign up for a larger one — there is no mid-plan upgrade button.
The storage you get is on Shadow's servers, not on your local device. This means the limit applies to everything you store in your Shadow PC environment: your operating system, programs, games, documents, and files. Once you hit the limit, you cannot install new software or save new files until you delete something or move to a larger plan.
Switching plans takes effect when ready, but you lose access to your old plan's storage size. If you downgrade later, Shadow will warn you if your files exceed the new limit, but you will need to delete files before the downgrade completes.
Key Takeaways
- Shadow PC storage comes in three fixed sizes — 256 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB — and you cannot add storage to an existing plan.
- To get more storage, you must switch to a higher-tier subscription plan, which takes effect right away.
- Before you downgrade to a smaller plan, delete files that exceed the new limit or Shadow will block the change.
- Storing files outside Shadow PC on your local device, cloud storage, or an external drive can free up space without paying for a larger plan.
- Shadow's storage limit includes your operating system and all installed programs, so the usable space is less than the plan size.
How to switch to a larger storage plan
Log into your Shadow account on the Shadow website or in the Shadow app. Go to your account settings and find the subscription or plan section. You will see your current plan and the option to change it. Select the larger storage tier you want — 1 TB or 2 TB — and confirm the change. Your billing will update to reflect the new plan's price, usually prorated if you are mid-billing cycle.
The new storage becomes available within minutes. You do not need to restart Shadow PC or reinstall anything. Your existing files and programs stay in place, and you straightforward have more room to work with. The change is permanent until you switch plans again.
What counts toward your storage limit
Your Shadow PC storage limit includes the Windows operating system itself, which takes up roughly 20 to 30 GB depending on updates. Every program you install — Steam, Microsoft Office, web browsers, games — counts against the limit. Your user files, downloads, documents, and saved games all count too. Even temporary files and system caches use space.
This means a 256 GB plan leaves you roughly 220 to 230 GB for actual use after Windows takes its share. A 1 TB plan gives you around 950 GB of usable space, and a 2 TB plan gives you roughly 1.9 TB. If you install large games — modern titles often exceed 100 GB each — you can fill a smaller plan quickly.
Free ways to make room without upgrading
Delete games and programs you no longer use. Use the Windows uninstall feature to remove them completely, not just delete shortcuts. Uninstalling a 100 GB game frees up that space when ready. Check your Downloads folder and delete old installers, files you have already moved elsewhere, and anything you no longer need.
Move files to external storage or cloud services. You can store documents, photos, and videos on Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or a USB drive connected to your local computer. These files stay accessible but do not take up Shadow PC storage. Games and programs must stay on Shadow PC to run, but documents and media can live elsewhere.
Clear temporary files and caches. Windows accumulates temporary files over time. Open Settings, go to System, then Storage, and select Temporary Files. Delete old files and caches — this usually frees up several gigabytes without affecting your programs or documents.
Use cloud gaming libraries instead of local installs. If you use Steam, Epic Games, or other platforms, you can uninstall games after you finish playing them and reinstall them later when you want to play again. This saves space compared to keeping every game installed at once.
Storage limits by plan and actual usable space
| Plan | Total Storage | Approximate Usable Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 256 GB | 220–230 GB | Light use: web browsing, office work, a few small games |
| 1 TB | 1,024 GB | 950–980 GB | Moderate use: several large games, media files, work projects |
| 2 TB | 2,048 GB | 1,900–1,950 GB | Heavy use: large game libraries, video editing, large file collections |
When to upgrade versus when to manage space
Upgrade if you regularly hit your storage limit and spend time deleting files to make room. If you play multiple large games at once or work with large video or media files, a bigger plan saves frustration. The cost difference between plans is usually modest — check Shadow's pricing page to see the monthly increase for your region.
Manage space if you play one or two games at a time and do not mind uninstalling and reinstalling when you switch. If most of your files are documents, photos, or media that can live in cloud storage, a smaller plan works fine. Many users stay on 256 GB or 1 TB by being selective about what they keep installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my storage without canceling my subscription?
No. You change your storage tier by switching to a different subscription plan. The change takes effect when ready, and your billing adjusts. You do not need to cancel and rejoin — just select the new plan in your account settings.
What happens if I fill up my storage completely?
Shadow PC will not let you install new programs or save new files once you reach the limit. You will see an error message when you try. You must delete files or switch to a larger plan before you can continue.
Do I lose my files if I switch to a smaller plan?
Shadow will not let you downgrade if your files exceed the new plan's size. You must delete files first to bring your total below the new limit. Once you confirm the downgrade, it takes effect when ready.
Is it cheaper to buy an external drive than upgrade Shadow storage?
For documents and media, yes — an external USB drive is a one-time cost. But programs and games must run from Shadow PC storage to work, so you cannot avoid the limit by using external storage for everything. External drives work best for files you access occasionally, not for active work.
How much does storage cost on each plan?
Shadow's pricing varies by region and changes over time. Check the Shadow website or your account settings to see the current monthly price for each plan in your area. The price difference between tiers is usually between $5 and $15 per month.