You can now use Storage Sense to get rid of junk files automatically, and in this guide, we’ll show you the steps to set up Storage Sense on Windows 10.
On Windows 10, when your computer runs out of space, you often empty the recycle bin and delete temporary files to free up storage space using various tools, such as the Disk Cleanup utility.
The archiving feature is disabled by default, but once enabled, it will actively delete some temporary files, such as files created by the application and those that have been moved to the recycle bin in more than 30 days.
How to activate Windows Storage Sense 10
There are two parts of Storage Sense: you can choose to enable the feature up and running with default Windows settings or customize it to meet your requirements.
If you want to turn on Storage Sense, go to Start> Settings> System.
Storage in the control panel on the Settings window’s left-hand side and scroll down until you see the Storage Spaces option. You will see a slide switch. Could you set it to ON?
If you don’t make any further changes and remove the app, Windows 10 Creator Update will automatically remove any junk files from your computer. This includes leftover data files from permanently uninstalled apps, some temporary files, and any Trash items that are more than 30 days old.
If you leave the feature on for a few months, you can even see month-to-month memory savings history.
How to Customize Storage Sense
If you want to make Storage Sense work in a way other than the default defaults, you can change a few options.
Again, you need to go to Start> Settings> System> Storage> Storage Sense . This time, click on the link titled Change how we free up space.
The new window lets you choose whether you only delete old Recycle Bin files, delete only temporary files your existing apps don’t use, or delete both. Slide the switch to make your selection.
There’s a third option at the bottom of the page, free up space now, called Free up space now. If you click on the Clean now button, Storage Sense will perform the garbage cleaning actions immediately.
As you can see from the image above, my system immediately found 83.9 MB of new space. It may not look like much, but I respect keeping the Recycle Bin empty and above old files – even in the hidden AppData folder. If you’re not as impressive as me, the savings can be huge.
Change the location Save New Content
Clicking Change where new content is saved will give you a list of six file types: Apps, Documents, Music, Photos and Videos, Movies and TV Shows, and Offline Maps.
Under each file type, you can choose your preferred location from the drop-down box. The app will list all your drives, including any removable disks.
Manage storage space
Select Manage Storage Spaces to allow you to create drives. Any content you save will be added to both drives, thus protecting you against drive failure and accidental deletion.
Click Create a new pool and storage space to create your space.
Local Storage
Finally, you can still see a breakdown of your current drives by content type.
Go to Start> Settings> System> Storage and click on the drive you want to view.
The app will show you a complete list of your content and the amount of space needed by category.
What other features would you like to see?
There’s no doubt the new Storage Sense feature will make people feel like they’re drowning under the weight of old content.
That said, the release of the Windows 10 Creator Update marks only the app’s first iteration. Perhaps, Microsoft will add more features in future updates.
