Windows 11: Automatically Clean Temporary Files with Storage Sense
Regularly clean up temporary files with Storage Sense. Turn on [Storage Sense] in [Settings] > [System] > [Storage] and click the item name to open the details. After [Run Storage Sense now], check whether the required files remain by checking the completion indication and the increase in free space.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- Users who want to streamline daily operations with Windows 11
- Users who want to try out the feature in a way that allows them to restore the settings.
What you need
- Save the file you are working on and try it with test data that does not include personal information.
- By default, the system drive is targeted. Before enabling settings to automatically delete downloads and trash, check storage operations and backups.
Purpose and prerequisites
Regularly clean up temporary files with Storage Sense. Turn on [Storage Sense] in [Settings] > [System] > [Storage] and click the item name to open the details. After [Run Storage Sense now], check whether the required files remain by checking the completion indication and the increase in free space.
By default, the system drive is targeted. Before enabling settings to automatically delete downloads and trash, check storage operations and backups.
Configure the feature
Turn on [Storage Sense] in [Settings] > [System] > [Storage] and click the item name to open the details.
- Turn on Storage Sense in Settings > System > Storage and click the item name to open details.
Try it out and see the results
Choose how often to run, how many days to keep the recycle bin, what to do with download folders, and how long to revert cloud content to online-only. Do not configure deletion rules that you do not understand. After [Run Storage Sense now], check whether the required files remain by checking the completion indication and the increase in free space.
If you use the Downloads folder as a long-term storage location, leave its automatic deletion period set to "Never." Please read the recycle bin as the number of days since deletion, and the cloud content as the condition for making the device online-only. First, open each item, record the settings, make sure there are no unintentional automatic deletions, and then select the execution frequency.
- Choose how often to run, how many days to keep the recycle bin, what to do with download folders, and how long to revert cloud content to online-only. Do not configure deletion rules that you do not understand.
- After [Run Storage Sense Now], check whether the required files remain by checking the completion indication and the increase in free space.
Turn it off and restore the previous setup
Turn off the feature and return each number of days to the equivalent of [Always available] or [Do not allow]. Deleted files cannot always be recovered.
- Turn off the feature and return each number of days to the equivalent of [Always available] or [Do not allow]. Deleted files cannot always be recovered
Limitations and requirements
- By default, the system drive is targeted. Before enabling settings to automatically delete downloads and trash, check storage operations and backups.
- If the settings are fixed on an organization-managed PC, check with the administrator instead of using unofficial methods to circumvent the policy.
Frequently asked questions
Will downloads also be automatically deleted?
This applies if you set the download deletion period yourself. If you are using it for long-term storage, keep the setting to disallow it.
If I turn it off, will deleted files be restored?
Turning off is an operation to stop future automatic processing. It is not a function to restore files that have already been deleted.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.