Is your Windows PC running low on storage? The C drive can quickly fill up with temporary files, cached data, and unnecessary applications. Fortunately, Windows includes Storage Sense, a built-in tool that helps you automatically free up space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Storage Sense to clean up your C drive and optimize your system’s performance.
What is Storage Sense?
Storage Sense is a feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that automatically deletes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes unused files to free up disk space. It’s a great way to manage your storage without manually searching for files to delete.
How to Enable and Use Storage Sense in Windows
Follow these steps to set up and use Storage Sense:
1. Open Storage Sense
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Storage.
- Toggle Storage Sense to On if it isn’t already enabled.
2. Configure Storage Sense Settings
To customize how Storage Sense works:
- Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
- Under Run Storage Sense, choose when Windows should clean up files (e.g., Every day, Every week, Every month).
- Under Temporary Files, check the options to automatically delete temporary files and clear the Recycle Bin after a set period.
3. Manually Run Storage Sense
If you need to free up space immediately:
- Scroll down and click Run Storage Sense Now.
- Windows will scan and remove unnecessary files, freeing up disk space.
Additional Tips to Free Up Space in C Drive
Besides Storage Sense, here are some additional ways to reclaim storage:
1. Uninstall Unused Applications
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Sort apps by size and uninstall large, unused programs.
2. Delete Large Unnecessary Files
- Open File Explorer and search for large files using the filter Size: Gigantic (>4GB).
- Move unneeded files to an external drive or cloud storage.
3. Move Files to Another Drive
- Store personal files, such as videos and pictures, on D drive or an external drive.
- Change default storage locations in Settings > System > Storage > Where new content is saved.
4. Use Disk Cleanup Tool
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Windows search bar and open the tool.
- Select C drive, then choose files to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Downloads, System logs).
Using Storage Sense in Windows is an easy and effective way to free up space in your C drive and keep your system running smoothly. By setting up automated cleanups and manually deleting unnecessary files, you can ensure your PC stays optimized and clutter-free.
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