Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo use Storage Sense safely, open Settings > System > Storage, turn it on, then review its schedule and cleanup choices before allowing it to delete items from the Recycle Bin or Downloads. Storage Sense is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 and works on the system drive, usually C:. Its default behavior is limited to running when space is low and cleaning unnecessary temporary files; other cleanup depends on your settings. Microsoft’s Storage Sense guide documents the available controls.
Check which drive needs space
In File Explorer, select This PC and check the available space on each drive. Storage Sense works on the Windows system drive, usually C:, not every drive connected to the PC. If another drive is low, use Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Storage used on other drives to inspect it. In Settings, a red capacity bar indicates a low-disk state; Microsoft does not give one fixed free-space threshold for every PC because the trigger varies with drive size and operational thresholds.
Turn on Storage Sense and choose when it runs
- Open Start > Settings > System > Storage. Labels can vary slightly between Windows releases.
- Turn on Storage Sense, then open its settings or controls.
- Choose how often it runs. The default is to run when the device is low on disk space; you can select a schedule instead.
- Review the cleanup options below before relying on automatic cleanup.
The settings apply to your user account. Storage Sense also needs the user to be signed in and online for more than 10 minutes before it can run, according to Microsoft’s Storage Sense FAQ.
Review what Storage Sense can remove or change
Temporary files
With default settings, Storage Sense runs when the device is low on disk space and cleans unnecessary temporary files. The amount of space recovered depends on what is on your PC, so do not expect a guaranteed number of gigabytes.
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Recycle Bin
Storage Sense can automatically delete items that have remained in the Recycle Bin longer than the age threshold you select. Once emptied, those items are deleted rather than simply moved elsewhere. If you might need to restore a file, recover it before the selected retention period expires or leave this cleanup disabled.
Downloads
Downloads are not cleaned by default. If you enable the option, Storage Sense can remove files that have not been opened for the period you choose. Older does not necessarily mean disposable: leave Downloads cleanup off if you have not reviewed or backed up its contents.
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Cloud files and OneDrive
For supported cloud files, Storage Sense can make inactive files online-only. This removes the locally stored copy, not the cloud file itself: Microsoft says you can download it again when you have a network connection and enough local space. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt. Online-only files require connectivity to open their contents.
For OneDrive in Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft documents a 30-day default before unopened locally available files are made online-only. This is a product setting for that version, not a universal Storage Sense schedule. Microsoft’s current guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11. Its separate Windows 10 OneDrive instructions say the feature is available in Windows 10 version 1809 and later and works only when OneDrive is on C:.
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Run cleanup and check the result
- After reviewing the settings, run Storage Sense now if your Windows version offers that control.
- Return to Settings > System > Storage and check the updated space figures.
- If C: remains short on space, open Cleanup recommendations and inspect each category before selecting anything to remove.
Windows may suggest temporary files, large or unused files, cloud-synced files, and unused apps. The Storage settings guide explains these categories. Review suggested items individually; a category label alone does not establish that every file is safe for you to delete.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other ways to free space without losing files
- Move files to external storage: If personal files should be kept but do not need to stay on the PC, move them to an external USB drive or SD card. Check that the copy opens before removing the original. Microsoft describes this option in its guide to freeing drive space.
- Use OneDrive Files On-Demand: Keep a file in OneDrive while freeing its local storage by making it online-only. You will need an internet connection to retrieve its contents when it is not stored locally. See Microsoft’s Windows space-saving guidance.
- Review previous Windows installation files carefully: They may appear under Temporary files as a separate cleanup choice. Removing them can affect your ability to return to a previous Windows installation, so select them only if you understand that recovery trade-off.
For a PC that needs room for an update, Microsoft also provides targeted steps in its guide to freeing space for Windows updates.
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