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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.

How to Use Storage Sense with OneDrive ​

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

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.

Prerequisites ​

  • Windows 10 or Windows 11.
  • OneDrive syncing enabled with Files On-Demand active.

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.
  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.