How to configure Storage Sense in Windows 11 to automatically free up disk space

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to configure Storage Sense in Windows 11 to automatically free up disk space. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Storage Sense in Windows 11 helps keep your PC running smoothly by automatically deleting temporary files, clearing the Recycle Bin and removing old content from the Downloads folder. This guide walks you through enabling Storage Sense and tailoring its options to match your business or home‑office needs.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select System > Storage.
3. Toggle Storage Sense to On.
4. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now and choose the preferred schedule.

Detailed Instructions

1. Open the Settings app

1. Click the Start button or press Win.
2. Type Settings and select the app from the results.

2. Navigate to Storage settings

1. In the left‑hand menu, click System.
2. Choose Storage from the list.
3. On the right, you will see a summary of your drives and the Storage Sense toggle.

3. Turn Storage Sense on

1. Click the toggle next to Storage Sense to switch it On.
2. A link labelled Configure Storage Sense or run it now appears – click it.

4. Configure automatic clean‑up options

1. Run Storage Sense – choose Every day, Every week, Every month or Never (manual only).
2. Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using – keep the default Always or select Never if you prefer manual control.
3. Delete files in the Recycle Bin – pick Delete files that have been in the Recycle Bin for over 1 day, 30 days, or 60 days.
4. Delete files in the Downloads folder – choose a period (e.g., 30 days) or select Never if you want to keep downloads indefinitely.
5. Automatically free up space – enable the option to delete unused files from OneDrive when your device is low on space.

5. Review storage usage

1. Return to the main Storage page.
2. Click any drive to see a breakdown (e.g., Apps & games, System & reserved, Temporary files).
3. Use this view to decide if you need to adjust Storage Sense settings further.

6. Optional: Exclude specific folders or file types

• Open Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Exclude files from Storage Sense.
• Click Add a folder and browse to the folder you wish to protect.
• Confirm by clicking OK.

Troubleshooting

Storage Sense does not run on schedule

• Ensure your PC is turned on and not in Sleep mode during the scheduled time.
• Check that the Windows Update service is running – outdated builds can disable Storage Sense.
• Verify that Group Policy isn’t overriding the setting:
  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage Sense.
  3. Make sure the policy Allow Storage Sense is set to Not Configured or Enabled.

Files are not being deleted from the Downloads folder

• Confirm the Delete files in the Downloads folder option is set to a time period (e.g., 30 days).
• Check that the folder is the default C:\Users\username\Downloads. Custom locations are not covered by the default rule.
• If you use a third‑party cleaning tool, it may conflict with Storage Sense – try disabling the other tool temporarily.

Storage Sense reports “No action required” even when disk space is low

• Make sure the Automatically free up space option for OneDrive is enabled.
• Run a manual clean‑up by clicking Run Storage Sense now to see if any files are removed.
• If the issue persists, open Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) and select the same drive to clear additional system files.

For further assistance, Open a Ticket with our support team.

Still Having Issues?