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Storage Sense

FeatureWindows 10, 11
Checked against official documentationLast reviewed 1 min read

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows feature that frees disk space automatically by deleting temporary files, emptying old items from the Recycle Bin and, if you allow it, removing old files from Downloads and making unused OneDrive files online-only. It is configured in Settings > System > Storage.

1What it can clean

Temporary files that apps no longer use; Recycle Bin items older than a chosen number of days; Downloads files older than a chosen number of days (off by default); locally available OneDrive files not opened for a chosen time, which become online-only.

2When it runs

It can run automatically when disk space is low, or every day, week or month. 'Run Storage Sense now' runs it once with the current settings.

3Storage Sense and cleanup recommendations

Windows 11 also shows Cleanup recommendations in Settings > System > Storage, which suggest large or unused files and apps. They are suggestions only: nothing is removed until you confirm.

How to set up Storage Sense

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Turn on Storage Sense and open its settings.
  3. Choose when it runs and how old Recycle Bin items must be before removal.
  4. Leave 'Downloads' set to Never unless you are sure you do not keep files there.
  5. Select 'Run Storage Sense now' to test.

Cautions

  • Files removed from Downloads by Storage Sense skip the Recycle Bin.
  • Online-only OneDrive files need internet access to open.

Sources

  1. Manage drive space with Storage Sense (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com
  2. Free up drive space in Windows (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com

Note: Rain Cleaner Pro can keep space free automatically and shows what it removed.

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