Disk space management has always been a challenge for many users. While Windows 10 offers various tools like Disk Cleanup to help users free up space, they are not always the most user-friendly or well-known options. Recognizing the need for a more intuitive solution, Windows 10 introduced Storage Sense, a proactive tool designed to help users manage and maximize their device’s storage capabilities.
What sets Storage Sense apart is its automation. Unlike other tools where users have to initiate the cleanup, Storage Sense, once enabled, operates in the background. It actively monitors and deletes temporary files produced by different apps, clears out files from the recycle bin that have been there for more than 30 days, and even manages files in the Downloads folder, ensuring that unchanged files older than 30 days are removed. For those who have updated their Windows 10 versions, Storage Sense provides an option to delete the previous iterations, releasing significant chunks of space.
Even though Storage Sense is embedded in the Windows 10 system, it remains an optional tool, disabled by default. This means users have the flexibility to decide how and when they wish to use it.
In this risewindows guide, we will walk you through the process of enabling and configuring Storage Sense. With it, you can seamlessly manage your PC’s disk space and ensure your device continues to run efficiently.
How to Enable Storage Sense on Windows 10?
Follow these steps to turn on Storage Sense on Windows 10:-
Step 1. First, click on the Start button, then the Settings icon to launch the Settings app.
Step 2. Click on the System under Settings.
Step 3. Then, click on Storage from the left options.
Step 4. Finally, turn On the toggle switch next to “Storage Sense can automatically free up space by removing files you don’t need, like temporary files and content in your recycle bin.”
After completing the above steps, Windows 10 will automatically delete junk files on your device, including temporary files, recycle bin items, and those files in the Downloads folder that haven’t changed in the last 30 days.
How to configure Storage Sense settings on Windows 10?
As mentioned above, Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files, Recycle bin items, and those files in the Downloads folder that haven’t changed in the last 30 days. However, you can configure the Storage sense to choose which files to delete automatically from your device and which not to delete.
Step 1. First, click on the Start button, then the Settings icon to launch the Settings app.
Step 2. Click on the System under Settings.
Step 3. Then, click on Storage from the left options.
Step 4. After that, click on the link Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
Step 5. Finally, under the Run Storage Sense section, you can select one of the cleaning options from Every day, Every week, Every month, and During low free disk space.
You can choose to delete the temporary files from 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, and 60 days.
Once you have configured the Storage sense tool, you can close the Window. Click on the Clean now button if you want to run immediately.
Conclusion
Storage Sense in Windows 10 provides a hassle-free solution to the perennial issue of disk space management. It streamlines the process by automating the cleanup tasks, ensuring your PC remains optimized without you constantly monitoring it. By enabling and configuring Storage Sense, users can let Windows handle the mundane task of deleting unnecessary files while focusing on more critical tasks.
