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What is the best way for disk cleanup on Windows 10?
Storage Sense is a modern, automated storage management feature in Windows 10 that not only handles routine cleanup of user files like temporary data and Recycle Bin contents but can also be configured to clean up certain system files automatically, helping to cleanup disk on Windows 10 without requiring manual intervention each time.
Step 1: Open Settings (Windows key + I) and go to System > Storage.
Step 2: Toggle Storage Sense to On.
Step 3: Click "Configure Storage Sense or run it now."
Step 4: Under the "Temporary Files" section, ensure the option "Delete previous versions of Windows" is checked.
Step 5: This instructs Storage Sense to remove the Windows.old folder and related system files if they are at least 10 days old (configurable).
Step 6: To trigger an immediate cleanup of these system files, scroll to the bottom of the same settings page and click "Clean now" under the "Free up space now" section. This will run Storage Sense immediately to make a disk cleanup on Windows 10, applying all your configured rules, including the removal of eligible system files.
Cons of Storage Sense
Limited Automatic System Cleanup: Storage Sense automatically removes only common temporary files. Major system files typically require the manual "Clean now" button click.
Permanent Deletion: When it runs, files are deleted permanently according to your rules, bypassing the Recycle Bin for those locations.
No Granular Control: It offers less detailed file category selection compared to the classic Disk Cleanup tool.