How to quickly free up space using Storage sense on Windows 10

On Windows 10, Storage sense is a feature to free up space when your device is running low on available storage. Similar to Disk Cleanup, it allows you to get rid of files that are only taking up space, such as temporary files, recycle bin items, and other unnecessary files, but with the difference that Storage sense is a lot easier to use than Disk Cleanup.

Storage sense offers two ways to reclaim disk space. You can select and remove the same junk files manually, and it’s possible to configure the feature to free up space when you’re running out of space automatically.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to quickly free up space on a hard drive by deleting junk files using the Settings app on Windows 10.

• How to free up space removing temporary files using Storage sense
• How to free up space automatically using Storage sense

How to free up space removing temporary files manually using Storage sense

To free up space removing temporary files, including the previous versions of Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Storage.

4. Under the “Local Disk (C:)” section, click the the Temporary files option.

   

5. Check the temporary files that you want to delete to free up space, including:

   • Windows upgrade log files.
   • System created Windows Error Reporting Files.
   • Windows Defender Antivirus.
   • Thumbnails.
   • Temporary files.
   • Recycle Bin.
   • Previous Windows installations.
   • Temporary Internet Files.
   • Device driver packages.
   • Delivery Optimization Files.
   • DirectX Shared Cache.

6. Click the Remove files button.

   

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will cleanup the drive making more room to store more important files.

How to free up space automatically using Storage sense

To free up space automatically with Storage sense, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Storage.

4. Under the “Storage” section, click the Configure Storage Sense or run it now option.

   

5. Turn on the Storage sense toggle switch.

6. Check the Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using option.

   

7. Use the drop-down menu to select when you want to run Storage sense automatically. For example, Every day, Every week, Every month, or During low free disk space.

8. Under “Temporary files,” check the Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using option.

9. Using the “Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over” drop-down menu and select 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or Never to disable the option.

10. Using the “Delete files in my Downloads folder if they have been there for over” drop-down menu and select 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or Never to disable the option.

Once you complete the steps, you can continue using the device, and the Windows 10 will delete junk files automatically. However, you can always click the Clean now button to run Storage sense immediately.