This guide will help you easily turn Storage Sense on or off in Windows 11. Storage Sense is a tool that helps clean up space on your computer by deleting files you don’t need.

What is Storage Sense?

Storage Sense is a feature in Windows 11 that automatically frees up space on your main set up a new hard drive. It deletes temporary files, clears your Recycle Bin, and removes other unnecessary files so your PC runs smoothly.

By default, Storage Sense is turned off. Windows might turn it on automatically if your disk space is very low, but you can decide if you want to keep it on or turn it off anytime.

What Does Storage Sense Do?

• Deletes temporary files created by apps and the system
• empty the Recycle Bin after files have been there for a set time
• Does not delete files in your Downloads folder or cloud storage unless you set it to

Who Can Change Storage Sense Settings?

You need to be signed in as an administrator on your PC to change Storage Sense for all users.

How to Enable or Disable Storage Sense

There are two main ways to turn Storage Sense on or off for everyone using your PC:

Option 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor (For Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. In the left panel, go to:
   
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage Sense
3. In the right panel, double-click Allow Storage Sense.
4. You will see three options:
   • Not Configured – This lets users turn Storage Sense on or off themselves (default).
   • Enabled – Storage Sense is always on, but users can change how often it runs.
   • Disabled – Storage Sense is completely turned off and users can’t enable it.
5. Choose the option you want, click OK, and close the editor.

Option 2: Using Windows Registry (All Windows 11 editions)

Important: Editing the Registry can affect your system. Please follow carefully and consider backing up your registry first.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to this key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\StorageSense
3. If the StorageSense folder doesn’t exist, create it by right-clicking Windows, choosing New > Key, and naming it StorageSense.
4. In the right pane, create or modify a DWORD (32-bit) value named AllowStorageSenseGlobal:
   • Delete the value or set it to Not Configured (default): Remove the AllowStorageSenseGlobal value.
   • To always enable Storage Sense: Set the value to 1.
   • To always disable Storage Sense: Set the value to 0.

Default – Enable Storage Sense

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\StorageSense" /v AllowStorageSenseGlobal /f

Always enable Storage Sense

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\StorageSense" /v AllowStorageSenseGlobal /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Always disable Storage Sense

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\StorageSense" /v AllowStorageSenseGlobal /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Summary

• Storage Sense helps keep your PC clean by removing unneeded files automatically.
• It’s off by default but can be turned on for all users by an administrator.
• You can also let users decide by leaving it “Not Configured.”
• Turning on Storage Sense helps your computer run better by freeing up space.
• Be sure to log in as an administrator to make these changes.
• Check your Storage Sense settings now and then to keep your PC healthy.