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How to set up and use Windows Storage Sense for disk cleanup.

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How to Set Up and Use Windows Storage Sense for Disk Cleanup

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up and using Windows Storage Sense for disk cleanup. Windows Storage Sense is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that helps you free up storage space on your computer by automatically deleting unnecessary files.

Follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1: Accessing Storage Settings

  1. Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon) located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.

  2. Select the Settings gear icon to open the Windows Settings panel.

  3. In the Windows Settings panel, locate and click on the System option.

  4. In the System settings, select the Storage tab from the left-hand side menu.

Step 2: Enabling Storage Sense

  1. On the Storage settings page, scroll down to find the Storage Sense section.

  2. Toggle the switch to On to enable Storage Sense.

  3. Customize the frequency at which Windows runs Storage Sense by clicking on the Change how we free up space link.

  4. Configure the desired settings for automatic cleanup. You can choose to delete temporary files, recycle bin items, and files in the Downloads folder that haven't been used for a specified number of days.

  5. Toggle the switch under the Free up space now section to enable immediate cleanup.

Step 3: Managing Storage Sense Options

  1. In the Storage Sense section, click on the Configure Storage Sense or run it now link.

  2. In the Storage Sense settings window, you can further customize the cleanup options.

    • Configure the frequency of automatic cleanups. You can choose to run Storage Sense monthly, every two weeks, or weekly.
    • Tick the checkbox labeled Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using if you want to include additional file cleanup.
    • Adjust the number of days before items are deleted in the Downloads folder.

  3. Once you have configured the options to your preference, click on the Clean now button to trigger an immediate cleanup.

Step 4: View Storage Usage and Cleanup Reports

  1. On the Storage settings page, you will find a visual representation of your storage usage by category.

  2. To view detailed information about a specific category, click on it to expand.

  3. Scroll down to view Temporary Files, Apps & games, Documents, Pictures, System & reserved, and Other categories.

  4. Each category will display the amount of storage space it occupies. You can click on any category's Open button to explore and manage the files.

Step 5: Manual Disk Cleanup with Storage Sense

  1. If you want to perform a manual disk cleanup using Storage Sense, click on the Free up space now option under the Storage Sense section on the Storage settings page.

  2. In the Free up space window, Storage Sense will calculate how much space you can free up by deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and removing files in the Downloads folder that haven't been used for a specified number of days.

  3. Tick the checkboxes for the items you wish to be included in the cleanup process.

  4. Click on the Remove files button to initiate the cleanup.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and used Windows Storage Sense for disk cleanup. This feature will help you maintain an organized and clutter-free storage space on your Windows 10 computer.