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Storage Sense is Windows’ built-in way to automatically clear selected drive clutter, and it is off by default. Turn it on under Settings > System > Storage; with its default cleanup behavior, it runs when the system drive is low on space and removes unnecessary temporary files. Downloads and cloud files are not included unless you opt into those rules.
What Storage Sense does—and what it leaves alone
Microsoft describes Storage Sense as a feature for managing drive space. Its default behavior is limited: when enabled, it runs when the device is low on disk space and cleans unnecessary temporary files. It also removes items from the Recycle Bin after the configured period.
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It does not automatically manage the Downloads folder or cloud content unless you enable those options. Storage Sense works on the Windows system drive; use the separate storage settings for information about other drives. Microsoft’s Storage Sense guide explains the available controls.
Turn on Storage Sense and choose when it runs
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Switch Storage Sense to On.
- Select Storage Sense to configure its run frequency and cleanup options. Labels may vary between Windows versions.
Microsoft says Windows may turn Storage Sense on to manage selected temporary files if the PC runs low on disk space and you have not previously interacted with the feature; Windows will notify you. You can still review its settings and choose the cleanup rules.
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Set cleanup rules without risking files you want
Temporary files and Recycle Bin
Temporary-file cleanup is the default action when Storage Sense runs. For the Recycle Bin, choose how long items should remain before Windows removes them. Check the contents before enabling a short retention period if you sometimes need to recover deleted files.
Downloads
Downloads cleanup is optional. If you enable it, files not opened for the selected interval can be removed. Leave this rule off if Downloads is also where you keep documents, installers, or other files you have not opened recently.
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Cloud content
For cloud files, Storage Sense can remove the local copy by making inactive content online-only; this rule does not permanently delete the cloud file. The file can be made locally available again when there is free space and a network connection. A file marked Always keep on this device is exempt. In Windows 11 version 22H2, the default inactivity period for OneDrive content is 30 days.
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When automatic cleanup runs
Storage Sense needs you to be signed in and online for more than 10 minutes before it can run. It is not a guarantee of a particular amount of recovered space: the result depends on what is taking up space and which cleanup rules you select. Microsoft’s instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11, though exact menu wording can differ by version.
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