Freeing up space · Recycle Vault
Why has Storage Studio paused new removals until I connect a drive?
Short answer: The on-Mac holding area for removed files is full (5 GB unless you change it) and no drive is connected, so removals pause rather than fill your disk. Connect your drive and they move across.
Because the on-Mac holding area for removed files has reached its size limit and no fast drive is connected. Rather than risk filling your built-in disk, Storage Studio pauses new removals and asks you to connect a drive — so nothing is ever lost.
Connect your drive and the waiting items move across automatically, after which removals carry on. The limit is 5 GB unless you change it in the Recycle Vault's settings. See does the vault need my drive.