Storage Sense can perform various tasks such as deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and removing old files to reclaim storage space.
- Automatic Cleanup: Storage Sense can be configured to run automatically on a schedule or when your device is low on disk space. When enabled, it will scan your system for temporary files, old files in the recycle bin, and other unnecessary items, and then remove them to free up disk space.
- Temporary Files: Storage Sense can delete temporary files that are no longer needed by your system or applications. These files can accumulate over time and take up valuable disk space.
- Recycle Bin: Storage Sense can also empty the recycle bin, permanently deleting files that have been sent to the recycle bin and freeing up space on your disk.
- Downloads Folder Cleanup: Storage Sense can optionally clean up files that have been sitting in your Downloads folder for a specified period of time. This helps prevent your Downloads folder from becoming cluttered with unnecessary files.
- OneDrive Integration: If you use OneDrive to store files online, Storage Sense can help manage your OneDrive storage by removing local copies of files that haven’t been accessed in a while. This feature is especially useful for devices with limited storage capacity.
To configure Storage Sense in Windows 10 or Windows 11:
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Settings” (the gear icon).
- In the Settings app, select “System” and then choose “Storage” from the sidebar.
- Toggle the switch under “Storage Sense” to enable it.
- Click on “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” to customize its settings. Here, you can choose how often Storage Sense runs and which types of files it should delete.
- You can also click on “Change how we free up space” to customize additional cleanup options such as deleting previous versions of Windows and removing unused apps.
Once Storage Sense is configured, it will automatically run according to your specified settings and help keep your disk space tidy and organized.