Storage sense schedule on Windows 10

How to change Storage sense schedule to free up space on Windows 10

You can now decide exactly when Storage sense should run to free up space automatically on Windows 10, and here's how.

On Windows 10, Storage sense is a feature similar to Disk Cleanup that helps to free up space, but with the difference that it works automatically.

Storage sense has been available for a while on Windows 10, but it had limited functionalities. Starting with the April 2018 Update, Windows 10 is bringing some changes making it possible to decide when you want the feature to run to delete temporary files on your computer to free up space.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to specify when Storage sense should run automatically to free up space on your device.

How to change Storage sense cleanup schedule

In order to change the schedule for Storage sense to free up space automatically on your computer, do the following:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click on Storage.

  4. Click on the Change how we free up space automatically link.

    Storage settings on Windows 10 version 1803
    Storage settings on Windows 10 version 1803
  5. Turn on the Storage sense toggle switch.

  6. Use the “Run Storage sense” drop-down menu, and select when you want to free up space if you’re running low in storage.

    Storage sense settings on Windows 10
    Storage sense settings on Windows 10

Starting with Windows 10 version 1803, it’s also possible to change the schedule to delete temporary files in the recycle bin and Downloads folder.

The only thing you have to do is to check the Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using option, and then using the drop-down menu, select when you want Storage sense to run and delete files — your choices are every 1, 14, 30, or 60 days, or you can choose Never to disable the feature.

If you don’t see these options, it’s likely because you’re not running Windows 10 version 1083 (April 2018 Update) on your device. This is an update expected to become available on April 30, 2018.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].