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Windows 11 can automatically remove items from the Recycle Bin with Storage Sense. Turn on Storage Sense, set how long files may remain in the bin, and choose how often the feature runs. The age limit makes items eligible for removal; it does not guarantee deletion at a precise time.
Set an automatic Recycle Bin cleanup period
- Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Turn on Storage Sense, then select Storage Sense to open its settings.
- Under Run Storage Sense, choose how often it should run.
- Under Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over, choose the retention period you want.
Microsoft documents these controls in its Storage Sense instructions.
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When the files are actually removed
The Recycle Bin setting is an age threshold: once an item has been in the bin longer than the selected period, Storage Sense can delete it the next time it runs. Storage Sense is off by default. If enabled with its default run setting, it runs when the device is low on disk space; you can choose a different schedule under Run Storage Sense.
Storage Sense can run only when you are signed in and online for more than 10 minutes. As a result, choosing a retention period does not schedule an exact deletion date or time.
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What this setting affects—and what it does not
- Drive scope: Storage Sense works on the system drive, usually C:. Other drives have separate storage controls.
- User scope: Each user account on the device manages its own Storage Sense settings.
- Downloads: The Recycle Bin setting does not clean the Downloads folder. Downloads cleanup is a separate Storage Sense option.
- Cloud files: OneDrive file handling is also a separate option. In Windows 11 version 22H2, the default can make unopened OneDrive files online-only after 30 days. That makes files available online rather than permanently deleting them; they can be downloaded again with network access and free disk space. Files marked Always keep on this device are exempt.
Storage Sense versus Cleanup recommendations
Cleanup recommendations in Windows Storage settings is a separate review flow for identifying items to remove. Use Storage Sense when you want recurring, age-based Recycle Bin cleanup; use Cleanup recommendations when you want to review suggested cleanup items yourself. See Microsoft’s Storage settings overview.
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