Auto-Delete Trash and Temp Files on Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to set Windows 11 up to automatically delete trash and temporary files to improve Windows 11 performance.

Regularly deleting trash and removing unwanted temporary files from your Windows 11 computer helps improve its performance and free up more space on your hard drive.

Auto-deleting trash and temporary files on Windows 11 is a great way to improve your computer’s performance and free up space on your hard drive. By removing these unnecessary files, you can improve the speed and efficiency of your computer, which can make a big difference in your overall computing experience.

Additionally, setting up automatic deletion means you don’t need to worry about manually deleting these files, saving you time and effort.

Although it can be done manually, it’s better just to set it and forget it so that you don’t have to keep being reminded to empty the recycle bin and temporary Internet files.

Follow the steps below to automatically empty the recycle bin and clear temporary files.

First, click the Start button and select Settings, as shown in the image below.

Click Storage on the Settings pane on the left, as shown in the image below.

Under Storage management, turn on Storage Sense by moving the button to On. Doing this will automatically free up space by removing files you don’t need, like temporary files and content, in your recycle bin.

To immediately clear out temporary files and empty your recycle bin, click Temporary files, then click Remove files.

You can also immediately delete a file permanently without sending it to the trash first. To permanently delete a file:
Select the item you want to delete.
Press and hold the Shift key, then press the Delete key on your keyboard. Because you cannot undo this, you will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the file or folder.

Conclusion:

• Setting up automatic deletion of temporary files and emptying the recycle bin can significantly enhance Windows 11 performance.
• Regular maintenance helps free up disk space and improves overall system efficiency.
• The Storage Sense feature simplifies the process, allowing users to focus on their tasks without the worry of manual clean-up.
• Permanent deletion of unneeded files can be done quickly using keyboard shortcuts, ensuring a clutter-free environment.
• By following these straightforward steps, users can enjoy a smoother and faster computing experience.