Step 1: Open Settings
To get started, open the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer. You can do this by clicking the Start button and selecting the gear icon, or by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Step 2: Go to System
In the Settings app, click on the “System” option. This will take you to a screen where you can manage various settings related to your computer’s hardware and software.
Step 3: Click on Storage
Next, click on the “Storage” option in the left-hand menu. This will show you a breakdown of how your computer’s storage is being used, including how much space is being taken up by temporary files.
Step 4: Turn on Storage Sense
To automatically delete temporary files, you’ll need to turn on a feature called “Storage Sense.” Click on the “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” option to get started.
Step 5: Choose Your Settings
In the Storage Sense settings, you can choose how often you want temporary files to be deleted, as well as other options like deleting files in your Downloads folder if they haven’t been modified in a certain amount of time. Choose the settings that work best for your needs.
Step 6: Turn on OneDrive Files On-Demand
If you use OneDrive to store files in the cloud, turning on the “Files On-Demand” feature can also help free up space on your computer. This feature allows you to see all of your OneDrive files in File Explorer, but only downloads them to your computer when you need them.
Step 7: Enjoy More Disk Space!
With Storage Sense and Files On-Demand enabled, your computer will automatically delete temporary files and free up space as needed. You can now enjoy more disk space for your important files and applications.
FAQs:
What are temporary files?
Temporary files are files that are created by your computer as you use it. They may include log files, cache, and other non-essential files.
Why should I delete temporary files?
Temporary files can accumulate over time and take up valuable disk space. Deleting them can help free up space and improve your computer’s performance.
Will deleting temporary files affect my computer?
Deleting temporary files should not affect your computer’s performance or cause any issues. These files are non-essential and can be safely removed.
Can I choose which types of temporary files to delete?
In the Storage Sense settings, you can choose to delete various types of temporary files, including those created by Windows and your installed applications.
How often should I run Storage Sense?
The frequency at which you run Storage Sense depends on how much you use your computer and how quickly temporary files accumulate. You can choose to run it daily, weekly, or monthly.
Setting | Description |
---|---|
Temporary Files | Deletes files in your local temp folder |
Downloads Folder | Deletes files in your Downloads folder that haven’t been modified in a certain amount of time |
OneDrive Files On-Demand | Only downloads OneDrive files to your computer when you need them |