01
Check current storage usage
Open Settings > System > Storage. Review the available space on the system drive and the categories consuming storage. Record the approximate free space so you can compare it after cleanup.
Enable Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage. Configure its cleanup frequency, review Recycle Bin and Downloads options, and run a controlled cleanup.
Requirements
- Windows 11.
- Access to Windows storage settings.
- A backup of any important files that might otherwise be deleted.
- Enough time to review the cleanup settings before running them.
Instructions
02
Enable Storage Sense
Find Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage. Set the Storage Sense switch to On. Windows can now perform automatic cleanup based on the configured conditions.
03
Open Storage Sense configuration
Select Storage Sense to open its detailed configuration page. Review the available automatic cleanup options before allowing Windows to remove files. Pay particular attention to settings involving personal folders and cloud-backed content.
04
Configure automatic cleanup frequency
Under Run Storage Sense, choose Every month for a predictable monthly schedule. This determines how frequently Windows attempts scheduled cleanup while you are signed in and the required conditions are met. More frequent options are available when storage space regularly runs low.
05
Configure Recycle Bin cleanup
Find the option for deleting files from the Recycle Bin after they have been there for a specified number of days. Select 30 days if you want files older than that threshold to become eligible for removal. Check the Recycle Bin first if it contains anything you might need to recover.
06
Protect the Downloads folder
Find the option for deleting files from the Downloads folder when they have not been opened for more than a selected period. Choose Never to prevent Storage Sense from automatically deleting downloads based on inactivity. This is useful when the folder contains installers, documents, or other files you have not organized yet.
07
Review cloud content cleanup
Find any available option for managing locally available cloud content. Choose Never if you want Storage Sense to leave eligible locally cached cloud files untouched. Other choices may convert unused synchronized files to online-only availability without deleting their cloud copies.
08
Run a manual cleanup
Select Run Storage Sense now after reviewing all configured cleanup settings. Allow Windows to process eligible files, then return to Settings > System > Storage. Compare available disk space with the amount recorded earlier.
⚠ warningAutomatic deletion can permanently remove files from the Recycle Bin or Downloads folder when those cleanup options are enabled. Do not enable aggressive retention settings without reviewing their consequences.
Common issues
Storage Sense does not free much disk space.
Open Settings > System > Storage and review the storage categories. Storage Sense only removes eligible content and cannot guarantee a large amount of recoverable space.
Storage Sense does not run at the expected time.
Confirm that it is enabled and that the selected scheduling conditions are met. Scheduled cleanup normally operates while the computer is online and the user is signed in.
Some files remain after cleanup.
Files still in use or excluded by retention settings may not be removed. Review the specific storage category rather than manually deleting unknown system files.
Frequently asked
Does Storage Sense uninstall applications?
Normal Storage Sense cleanup does not automatically uninstall installed desktop applications.
Can Storage Sense remove files from Downloads?
Yes, if its Downloads cleanup setting is enabled with an eligible inactivity threshold. Select Never to avoid this automatic cleanup.
Where is the official documentation?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/manage-drive-space-with-storage-sense
How to undo this
Open Settings > System > Storage and turn Storage Sense Off. This stops future automatic cleanup but cannot automatically restore files that were already deleted.
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