In previous article, I mentioned How To Disable Prefetch On Windows 11 but now in this article, I have mentioned how to turn on storage sense in Windows 11 to free up space automatically.
You can perform several tasks manually with different computer programs to free up space when your PC runs out of storage space. You can clear temporary files, Junk Files, remove items in the recycle bin or employ several other techniques manually to remove files you do not need from the PC.
This manual troubleshooting may give you the desired results, but you may need to repeat the process after some time. However, you can set up Storage Sense to automatically monitor and remove unused files rather than manually switching between tools and tasks.
Sounds great? Then, read on to find out what storage sense does and how to turn it on in Windows 11 to free up space on your computer.
Storage Sense Explained
The built-in function of Windows 11, Storage Sense, enables you to properly manage storage spaces on your personal computer (PC).
When enabled, it helps to automatically clear temporary system and program files, trash files in the Rubbish Bin, and items you no longer want from the Downloads folder.
It also enables you to convert files in your Skydrive or OneDrive to online-only files, which also helps you free up more space on your PC. You can even manage local cloud information connected to your Microsoft OneDrive account with it.
With these, you can see that Storage Sense is a tool for enhancing your productivity. Hence, you should enable it on your PC.
How to Turn On Storage Sense on Windows 11
Enabling Storage Sense in Windows 11 differs slightly from Windows 10. But you can do it with the steps below:
Step 1: Settings
Open the settings app on your computer following any of the ways below:
- Press the Windows button + I anywhere on your computer, and the settings window will open.
- Click the start button from the taskbar and click on the Settings app under the pinned apps in the start menu.
- You can also right-click on the start button and select settings from the context menu that displays.
- Lastly, you can click the Search button from the taskbar, type Settings in the text field, and select the Settings icon from the search results.
Step 2: System
Click the System tab in the sidebar of the settings window.
Step 3: Storage
Double-click on the storage tab from the right pane of the settings page.
Step 4: Storage Sense
Locate the Storage Sense tab in the storage management section, and click on the toggle button on the right side. The Storage Sense will become active after that.
However, you can also manage Storage Sense Settings beyond turning it on. Let us discuss how in the next section.
How To Manage Storage Sense on Windows 11
You can personalize how Storage Sense works on your PC in the Storage Sense settings since it lets you personalize the tool based on your preference.
You can specify when Windows should execute Storage Sense and how frequently it should clear data from the Device storage and recycle bin, among other options.
Follow the steps below to do this.
Step1: Settings
Open the System Settings from the Start menu, search button, or press the Windows button + I.
Step 2: System
Click on the System tab in the sidebar of the settings window. Although, it should be active since it is the first Settings option in the sidebar.
Step 3: Storage
Double-click on the storage tab from the right pane of the settings page.
Step 4: Storage Sense
Locate the Storage Sense tab in the storage management section, and double-click on this tab instead of clicking the toggle button on it.
Step 5: Manage Storage Sense
The Storage Sense settings page will display in the right pane of the page, and you can manage Storage Sense with the options on the page.
First, check the box under the 'cleanup of temporary files' option.
Also, turn on the "Automatic User content cleanup" toggle switch.
Then you can customize other features using the options under the 'Configure cleanup schedules' section.
Caution: ensure you do not leave essential files in the Downloads folder on your computer before using the 'Delete files in my Downloads folder' option.
You may copy such files to another folder if you have and also ensure you always backup downloaded files immediately after downloading them.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, accessing Windows Storage Sense in Windows 11 is not the same as in other versions of Windows, but you can follow the above guide to turn it on to free up space on your computer.
Note that Storage Sense can only free up space in the Computer C: drive which contains the operating system. You should free up space on other drives manually.
You may also like to read:
How to Disable Superfetch (SysMain) in Windows 11
How To Enable Mono Audio On Windows 11
How to Turn On and Access Windows Mobility Center in Windows 11
