GitHub Codespaces storage is billed over time, so a stopped codespace can still add to your monthly usage. To control the bill, find which resources are accumulating storage—especially prebuilds—then delete or shorten retention for environments you no longer need. Before rebuilding, move important files into /workspaces: that repository directory persists through rebuilds, while most files elsewhere do not.
What GitHub Codespaces counts as storage
Codespaces billing has two distinct meters: active compute and storage occupied while a codespace or prebuild exists. Storage is measured in GB-hours, so both the amount of data and how long it remains stored matter. It can include cloned repositories, configuration and data added to a codespace, extensions, prebuilds, and custom dev-container contents. The default Linux image is excluded; contents of a custom base image are included. GitHub explains Codespaces billing and storage measurement.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That image distinction matters when estimating or comparing environments: two codespaces with similar source trees can have different measured storage if one uses a custom base image. Do not switch images just to reduce storage if the project needs dependencies or tools included in the custom image.
What storage costs and what is included
On GitHub’s billing page reviewed on October 7, 2026, Codespaces storage was listed at $0.07 per GB-month. The personal-account included storage was 15 GB-month per month for GitHub Free and 20 GB-month per month for GitHub Pro. These are current-listed figures, not guarantees of future rates or eligibility; check GitHub’s billing documentation for the applicable terms. The personal-account quotas do not describe organization and enterprise plans.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Compute is a separate meter, not extra storage: the same page listed 120 included compute hours monthly for a Free personal account and 180 for Pro. Storage and compute allowances should not be conflated when diagnosing a charge.
Why usage remains after you stop or delete a codespace
Stopping a codespace pauses its running compute, but its stored files remain, so storage can continue to accrue. GitHub measures storage cumulatively during the billing cycle. Deleting a codespace or prebuild lowers future accumulation; it does not erase storage usage already accrued in the current cycle. GitHub’s billing guide describes this time-based accounting.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
GitHub’s included-usage guidance states a default retention period of 30 days for codespaces. A codespace explicitly kept can remain until it is manually deleted, so do not assume every stopped environment will disappear on its own. See GitHub’s automatic-deletion guidance for retention behavior and settings.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhere did my monthly storage go?
- Open billing usage. In GitHub, open your account menu, choose Settings, then Billing and licensing and review Codespaces usage. The expanded usage view can show how much storage is associated with prebuilds. Current labels can vary as GitHub updates its interface; the usage-report instructions provide the authoritative route.
- Generate a usage report for attribution. Filter the report for Codespaces entries and inspect repository-level usage where available. This helps distinguish a large active workspace from stored prebuilds or abandoned codespaces.
- Inspect repository prebuild settings. In the repository, open Settings and its Codespaces section. Review configurations, covered branches, dev-container configurations, and regions. A prebuild can consume storage even when no corresponding codespace appears in your codespace list. The configuration options are documented in GitHub’s prebuild configuration guide.
Reduce storage without losing work
Delete environments you will not reuse
Delete finished codespaces rather than leaving them stopped indefinitely. Shorter retention can automatically remove abandoned stopped environments sooner, if that fits your workflow. Deletion changes future storage accumulation, not the amount already counted in the current billing cycle.
Rank #3
- 【Plug-and-Play Expandability】 With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use in Windows（For Mac，first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【Fast Data Transfers 】The external hard drives with the USB 3.0 cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s, and the write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- 【High capacity in a small enclosure 】The small, lightweight design offers up to 500GB capacity, offering ample space for storing large files, multimedia content, and backups with ease. Weighing only 0.35 Lbs, it's easy to carry "
- 【Wide Compatibility】Supports PS4 5/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac and other operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with game consoles,various laptops and desktops .
- Important Notes for PS/Xbox Gaming Devices: You can play last-gen games (PS4 / Xbox One) directly from an external hard drive. However, to play current-gen games (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), you must copy them to the console's internal SSD first. The external drive is great for keeping your library on hand, but it can't run the new games.
Remove unnecessary prebuild configurations
Prebuilds are stored snapshots. Keep them where faster codespace creation is useful, and remove configurations for repositories, branches, or regions that no longer need them. For organizations, prebuild storage is charged at the same rate as codespace storage and is included in the Codespaces budget; prebuild workflows can also use GitHub Actions minutes. See GitHub’s overview of prebuilds and its organization cost-management guide.
Prebuilds have a separate machine constraint that should not be mistaken for a general storage quota: for repositories over 32 GB, 2-core and 4-core machine prebuilds are unavailable because their storage is limited to 32 GB. Check the current prebuild documentation for eligibility and configuration details.
Rank #4
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Find large extension directories
Extensions use storage. In a codespace terminal, measure the remote extension directory with:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsdu -h -s ~/.vscode-remote/extensionsReview unusually large or unused extensions before removing them; project needs and installed tooling differ.
Best Value
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
Use a full rebuild when caches are the problem
A full rebuild clears cached Docker containers, images, and volumes, then recreates the container. It can help when repeated base-image changes or iterative builds have left large caches. It takes longer because setup and downloads may need to run again. GitHub describes the rebuild options in its codespace rebuild guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Protect files before rebuilding
The repository is mounted in /workspaces, which persists through stop/start and full rebuild. Most changes elsewhere in the container survive stop/start but are removed by a rebuild; /tmp is an exception to that general outside-directory behavior. Before rebuilding, move important files into the repository workspace or deliberately preserve them there. GitHub documents persistence and safe storage of files in its file-persistence guide.
If settings or configuration outside /workspaces must survive rebuilds, GitHub documents using a symlink to a location stored under the persistent workspace. A rebuild clears container caches, not the repository workspace itself.
Organization controls for predictable costs
Organization owners and billing managers can align Codespaces use with budgets by confirming who pays for each codespace and setting an appropriate spending limit. Depending on plan eligibility and billing setup, available controls include limiting organization-billed codespaces, restricting machine types, setting a maximum idle timeout, limiting stopped-codespace retention, and reducing the number of prebuild regions. Some organization settings require GitHub Team or Enterprise eligibility. Consult GitHub’s organization cost guide for the current controls.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
