How to Enable or Disable Storage Sense in Windows 11

What is Storage Sense?

Storage Sense in Windows 11 is a helpful tool that automatically frees up space on your computer by deleting files you don’t need, like temporary files and items in your Recycle Bin.

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
• Empties your 🗑️ 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?

⚠️ Admin Required: 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 1Using Local Group Policy Editor (For 🪟 Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

If you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can easily turn Storage Sense on or off using the Local Group Policy Editor.

1. Press ⊞ Win+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 2Using Windows Registry (All 🪟 Windows 11 editions)

You can change Storage Sense settings on any Windows 11 version by editing the Registry, but it’s important to back it up first in case something goes wrong.

Follow these steps:

1. ⚠️ Admin Required: Press ⊞ Win+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.

Storage Sense is a Windows feature that automatically cleans up your PC by deleting old files, helping it run better and freeing up space.