How to Automate Disk Cleanup with Storage Sense in Windows 11

Learn how to configure Storage Sense in Windows 11 to automatically delete temporary files, clear your Recycle Bin, and reclaim disk space.

1. Access the Storage settings menu. Open the Settings application by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. Select the System tab in the left-hand sidebar, then click on the Storage menu option in the main panel.
2. Enable and configure Storage Sense. Locate the Storage Sense toggle within the Storage Management section and slide it to the On position. Click the arrow icon next to the toggle to open the specific configuration sub-menu for advanced cleanup options.
3. Define automatic cleanup frequency. Under the Cleanup of temporary files section, ensure the toggle is set to On. Use the dropdown menu labeled Run Storage Sense to select your preferred frequency, such as During low free disk space, Every day, Every week, or Every month.
4. Customize deletion parameters. Review the options for deleting files in your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder. Choose a timeframe for the Recycle Bin, such as 1, 14, 30, or 60 days, and select whether to automatically remove files in your Downloads folder if they haven't been opened for a specific period.
5. Run Storage Sense immediately. If you need to reclaim space immediately, scroll to the bottom of the Storage Sense configuration page. Click the button labeled Run Storage Sense now to initiate an instant scan and cleanup cycle based on your current settings.