How to Free Up Disk Space with Storage Sense in Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

Running low on disk space can slow down your PC and impact performance. Windows 11 offers a built-in feature called Storage Sense that automates disk cleanup to help you reclaim space effortlessly. This guide walks you through how to enable, configure, and make the most of Storage Sense in 2025.

What Is Storage Sense?

Storage Sense is an intelligent tool that automatically deletes unnecessary files like temporary data, Recycle Bin items, and old downloads according to your preferences. It helps keep your system clean and frees up valuable storage without constant manual intervention.

How to Enable Storage Sense

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Under Storage management, toggle on Storage Sense.
Storage Sense Settings

How to Configure Storage Sense Settings

Click on Storage Sense in the storage settings to customize cleanup frequency and file types to remove:

  • Run Storage Sense: Choose when it runs (e.g., during low free disk space or daily/weekly/monthly).
  • Temporary Files: Remove temporary files that apps do not need.
  • Recycle Bin: Automatically delete files older than a set number of days (default 30 days).
  • Downloads Folder: Optionally delete files not changed in a specified timeframe.
  • Cloud Content: Remove locally available files that are already backed up in OneDrive.
Configure Storage Sense

Benefits of Using Storage Sense

  • Automates cleanup to maintain free disk space.
  • Helps improve system performance by removing junk files.
  • Prevents your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder from accumulating clutter.
  • Supports cloud-integrated storage with OneDrive files.
  • Reduces the need for manual maintenance and storage management.

Additional Tips to Free Up Disk Space in Windows 11

  • Uninstall unused apps via Settings > Apps.
  • Use Disk Cleanup for advanced cleanup of system files.
  • Move large files to external storage or cloud drives.
  • Regularly empty the Recycle Bin manually if not using auto delete.

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