How to keep disk drive space automatically clean when disk space is occupied on Windows? A native PC cleaner will be introduced in detail, and a third-party cleaning program is also covered.
Before we begin, it's essential to clarify that the "C" drive typically refers to the partition where Windows is installed. While this drive letter may vary, it is usually designated as "C" on most systems. This drive can contain various types of data, including:
1. System files: The core of your operating system, including critical firmware components and essential system data that keep your computer running smoothly.
2. Application data: Programs and applications you install are generally stored on the C drive. The more apps you have, the more space they occupy.
3. Junk files: Deleted files are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin, which also resides on the C drive, gradually consuming space.
4. Cache, temporary, and log files: To enhance performance, your system generates cache, temporary, and log files, all of which are stored on the C drive.
5. User data and other content: This includes downloaded files, important documents, photos, synced cloud data, and various other user-generated files.
Storage Sense is a built-in feature of Windows 10 and Windows 11 designed to free up disk space by automatically removing hidden cache, temporary files, old Windows Update files, and even clearing the Recycle Bin or Downloads folder if configured.
This tool can be activated manually or set to run on a schedule, offering an automated alternative to traditional methods like Disk Cleanup, which require manual checks and deletions.
✍ Advantages of using Storage Sense:
✦ Maximized disk space: More room for your files by eliminating unnecessary cache and temporary data.
✦ Improved system performance: Additional space allows the system to create new cache files without slowing down.
✦ Enhanced stability: Reduces the risk of running out of disk space, which can impact system functionality.
✦ Automated maintenance: Set it to run automatically, reducing your need for manual cleanup.
✦ Efficient storage use: Ensures you can fully utilize the storage capacity you paid for.
Before enabling Storage Sense, it’s crucial to back up your Windows PC. This precaution ensures you can restore your configuration or recover any files that Storage Sense might remove unexpectedly.
Storage Sense offers flexible settings. You can decide what it deletes, from just temporary files to more extensive cleanup, including clearing the Recycle Bin, removing files in the Downloads folder, and even moving unused files to the cloud.
Enabling Storage Sense with certain settings can result in the automatic and permanent deletion of files in your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin. Be cautious, especially if you tend to store important files in these locations.
How to enable Storage Sense (Windows 10 and 11):
Step 1. Access it from the Start menu.
Step 2. Go to "System > Storage".
Step 3. Toggle it to "On".
Step 4. Configure advanced options:
In Windows 11: Click "Storage Sense".
In Windows 10: Select "Configure Storage Sense or run it now".
If you prefer a lighter approach that only removes temporary files without touching your personal data:
Step 1. Go to "System > Storage".
Step 2. Switch it off.
Step 3. Click "Storage Sense".
Step 4. Check "Keep Windows running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files".
This setup maintains your manual control over personal files, ensuring Storage Sense only targets system and app temporary data.
If your computer is slowing down due to cluttered disk space, it's time to consider a reliable third-party PC cleaner. AOMEI Partition Assistant for Cleanup is a versatile disk cleaning tool designed to help you keep your disk drive space clean and well-organized. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, this software allows you to effortlessly clean up junk files, manage disk partitions, and optimize storage performance.
Whether you want to delete unnecessary files, temporary files, or even securely erase duplicate files, AOMEI Partition Assistant for cleanup provides a comprehensive suite of tools to maintain your PC's health. Its built-in disk cleaner can identify and remove unwanted files, freeing up valuable space and ensuring your system runs smoothly.
Free Up Disk Space To Keep Your PC Running Smoothly and Efficiently
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant for Cleanup. Click the "Clean Junk Files" tab.
Step 2. Click the "Scan Now" button to start the process of scanning junk files.
Step 3. After the scan process is finished. All system junk files (including recycle bin files, temporary files, log files, invalid shortcuts, and so on) and registry junk files (including DLL registry, system registry, and program registry) will be displayed.
You can also click the button behind to view the junk files details.
Step 4. And, you can click the button behind to locate the file.
By default, the program will select some junk files to clean up, for example, temporary files, log files, and so on. You can also manually check to select more or uncheck to deselect fewer listed junk files. Or, click "Select All" to select all junk files to clean up if you need to clean up all.
Step 5. After selecting junk files that are not needed anymore, you can click the "Clean Now"button to start the cleanup.
The process of the cleanup might take time, and the selected files will be cleaned up. After the process is finished, you will get a cleanup completed window displaying how many files you have cleaned and not yet cleaned.
To maintain optimal disk space and system performance, understanding what occupies your hard drive is crucial. Windows offers Storage Sense, an automated feature that clears temporary files, old updates, and other unnecessary data.
For more advanced cleanup, consider AOMEI Partition Assistant for Cleanup, a powerful third-party tool for managing disk space. With this tool, you can maintain a clutter-free drive and ensure your system runs efficiently.
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
