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To schedule automatic cleanup, open Start > Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense, open its settings, and choose a frequency under Run Storage Sense. The schedule runs only when you are signed in and online; review the separate Recycle Bin, Downloads, and cloud-content options before letting Windows manage them.
Set a Storage Sense schedule
- Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Turn Storage Sense on if it is off.
- Select Storage Sense to open its settings.
- Under Run Storage Sense, choose the frequency you want from the options shown on your PC. The available choices can vary; Microsoft’s guide does not specify a universal list. Microsoft’s Storage Sense guide covers Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Review the separate cleanup settings for the Recycle Bin, Downloads, and cloud content before leaving automatic cleanup enabled.
How often does Storage Sense run?
The selected frequency is a run schedule, but it is not a promise that cleanup will happen at a precise clock time. Microsoft says Storage Sense runs when you are signed in and online for more than 10 minutes. The retrieved Microsoft Support guide does not state a publication date.
Without a user-selected periodic frequency, the default behavior is to run when the device is low on disk space and remove unnecessary temporary files. That default does not mean Windows will automatically clean Downloads or manage cloud content; those have separate settings.
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Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin has its own setting for how long items remain before Windows removes them. Check the selected age threshold so you understand when deleted items may be cleared.
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Downloads
Downloads cleanup is separate and is not enabled just because Storage Sense is on. If you enable it, Windows can delete files that have not been opened for the period you select. Inspect that threshold carefully: files you still need may be removed once they meet it.
Cloud content
When you are signed in to the relevant cloud account, Storage Sense can make locally available cloud files online-only after they have not been opened for the selected period. This frees local space without permanently deleting those files. You can download an online-only file again when you have network access and enough disk space. Items marked Always keep on this device are exempt. Microsoft says that, starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, the default for OneDrive cloud files is to make files online-only if unopened for more than 30 days.
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What drives does Storage Sense affect?
Storage Sense works on the Windows system drive, usually C:. To manage storage on another drive, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Storage used on other drives. See Microsoft’s overview of Storage settings in Windows.
Scheduled cleanup versus other Windows cleanup tools
The Run Storage Sense control sets the recurring schedule. Running cleanup immediately, reviewing cleanup recommendations, or using Disk Cleanup are separate actions and workflows; they do not change the schedule. For help freeing space for an update, Microsoft also documents ways to free up space for Windows updates.
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