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How to Use Storage Sense with OneDrive

Applies toWindows 11Windows 10
4 min fix Updated 9 Mar 2026 · 6 months ago

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Go to Settings > System > Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. Click into it to configure rules, such as automatically changing local OneDrive files to 'online-only' if they haven't been opened in 30 days.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - Windows release health, Microsoft Learn - OneDrive sync and SharePoint and between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

Storage Sense is a built-in Windows feature that automatically frees up disk space by cleaning temporary files and making OneDrive files online-only when they have not been used recently. Combined with OneDrive Files On-Demand, it keeps your hard drive from filling up without losing access to your files. This article explains how to configure Storage Sense.

Before You Start ​

Instructions ​

1. Enable Storage Sense ​

Turn on automatic disk cleanup.

  1. Open Settings (Win+I).
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Toggle Storage Sense to On.
  4. Windows will now periodically clean up temporary files and other unnecessary data.

2. Configure Storage Sense Schedule and Behavior ​

Customize how aggressively Storage Sense cleans.

  1. Under the Storage Sense toggle, click Storage Sense (or the arrow/configure link).
  2. Set Run Storage Sense:
    • Every day, Every week, Every month, or During low free disk space (recommended).
  3. Under Temporary files:
    • Toggle Keep Windows running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary files.
    • Set Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over — choose 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or Never.
    • Set Delete files in my Downloads folder if they haven't been opened for more than — choose a timeframe or Never.

3. Configure OneDrive Locally Available Content ​

Make OneDrive files online-only when unused to reclaim disk space.

  1. In the same Storage Sense settings, scroll to Locally available cloud content.
  2. Set OneDrive to make content online-only if not opened for more than:
    • 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days (recommended).
  3. This converts locally cached OneDrive files back to online-only, freeing up disk space. It does not free up space in OneDrive itself — if you are over your cloud storage limit, see How to Fix OneDrive Storage Full Errors.
  4. The files remain visible in File Explorer — they download on-demand when you open them.

4. Run Storage Sense Manually ​

Free up space right now without waiting for the schedule.

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Click Storage Sense > Run Storage Sense now (or Clean now).
  3. Windows performs the cleanup immediately and shows how much space was freed.

5. Check Current Disk Usage ​

See what is using the most space on your drive.

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. A breakdown appears showing space used by:
    • Apps & features, Temporary files, OneDrive, Other.
  3. Click any category for more details and cleanup options.

Troubleshooting ​

TIP

For the best results, enable both Storage Sense and OneDrive Files On-Demand together. Storage Sense automatically converts unused OneDrive files to online-only, while Files On-Demand ensures you can still access them instantly.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Disk still full after enabling Storage SenseLarge files not covered by cleanup rulesCheck Settings > System > Storage for the biggest categories. Manually delete or move large files.
OneDrive files not converting to online-onlyLocally available cloud content not configuredSet the Locally available cloud content option in Storage Sense settings.
Downloaded files keep disappearingDownloads folder cleanup activeChange the "Delete files in my Downloads folder" setting to Never or a longer timeframe.

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Will Storage Sense delete my files from OneDrive?
No. Storage Sense only deletes the temporary local copy of the file from your computer's hard drive to save space. The original file remains completely safe and accessible in the cloud.
Can Storage Sense empty my Recycle Bin automatically?
Yes. In the Storage Sense settings menu, there is an option to 'Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over X days'. You can set this to 1, 14, 30, or 60 days.