[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: WINDOWS: Auto-Delete Recycle Bin Files Automatically to Free Up Space

Wed Jan 22 09:26:24 PST 2025

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WINDOWS: Delete Recycle Bin Files Automatically

Novice

[A trash can icon filled with crumpled paper and a blue recycling symbol on the side.]

I was looking for a file in my Recycle bin the other day that I wanted to retrieve. As I scanned through the docs, images, and video files … I was shocked to see thousands of items dating back months and months.

I thought about setting up a task in my calendar to remind me to empty the bin each month, but first looked to see if there is a Windows auto-delete option. Well, of course there is! It's called Storage Sense.

On your Windows computer, you just need to make sure it is turned on and set to automatically delete items based on your preference (every 1, 14, 30 or 60 days).

When it comes to the performance of your computer, you don't want to overlook the Recycle Bin, which can accumulate a massive number of deleted files over time. The benefits of Storage Sense are two-fold, ensuring…

1.  Improved System Performance - Reducing clutter in the Recycle Bin can improve overall system speed and efficiency.
2.  Automatic Maintenance - Eliminating the need for frequent manual cleanups, saving you time.

Set Up Storage Sense

You may already have this turned on, but it's good to review the settings even if you do.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/adc85c53-dbb3-4fe5-8fdc-0f1986f2c745.png]
For Windows 11:

First, in your computer's Taskbar Search box, type "Storage" and select Storage Settings.

·     In the System > Storage window that opens, scroll down to the Storage management section and make sure that Storage Sense is toggled ON.

·     Then click on Storage Sense to open the next window.

[Storage settings screen showing 218 GB total with 112 GB used. "Storage Sense" is toggled on, highlighted with a red border and arrow.]

[Settings screen showing Storage Sense options, with "On" toggle for automatic cleanup and "30 days" selected for deleting Recycle Bin files.]
·     Under Automatic User content cleanup, make sure it is toggled ON.

·     Then under Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over, select either 1, 14, 30, or 60 days.

TIP: When you are deleting a file from your computer, you can permanently delete it and skip the recycle bin. To do this, hold down the Shift key when you press Delete (or right-click and choose Delete).

[Computer screen showing search results for "storage settings" with a pointer on "Turn on Storage Sense.]
If You Have Windows 10:

First, in your computer's Taskbar Search box, type "Storage" and select either Storage Settings or Turn on Storage Sense - they both go to the same screen.

·     At the top of the screen under Storage make sure Storage Sense is toggled ON.

·     Then click the Configure Storage Sense or run it now link.

[Windows 10 storage settings with Storage Sense toggled on and two red arrows highlighting options.]

[Settings panel showing Storage Sense options, with "During low free disk space" selected and "30 days" highlighted for recycle bin file deletion.]
·     Storage Sense should be toggled ON at the top of the window.

·     Under Temporary Files, choose the desired setting for Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over.

·     Options include: 1, 14, 30, or 60 days.

BONUS! Learn more ways to clean up your computer in this article<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015DvZoY2F6SRlISm-HGfi9E7l71oGvOtxvBnN6XJ5Ft9TrPaIY43bPtYsR7kqs8WBAXAzunNtpcOy__NJkjEJMSMOjmHwg6-T3cYMFMzIYiwb7aaVa4YfKMEt26IuI1FAIdw3PkCsbOy8CPR0QHw6tfTpJiockZcbN12qxrr3OAkFK3AmGu8zGw6TnTcfYMnsBVBXzcmS3mGN4lIxEDszdA==&c=LaqLk4W4lnUslUpq44cZuM927l6NMhyu70yoKduiRvuyZ0TvEtMBpg==&ch=6xumqq6BgR9W4LmdqIJutlf-9ooV-wxoGg87zQHEqgZO0qv_8F4jVg==>.

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Communications: Talking & Writing

Add the "because..." at the end

If you've been following these communication tips, you know that we remind you periodically to add a "because" statement to requests and declarations.

Why? Because when you give a reason for what you're saying, people are far more likely to go along with what you're saying or asking. (See the results of the study in this Tech=Talk article.)

So what are we stressing today? It's where to put the "because" statement in your narrative ... and why.

Bottom line: Add the reason why you're asking or directing at the end of your thought.

Why? Because when you put it at the very front, it sounds like justifying (e.g. "Because we're running behind, we need to stay an hour later." Plus, by the time your reader gets to the important part of the message, they’ve forgotten the "because".

If you put the "because" statement at the end of your thought, it feels more like you're communicating out of respect, by giving a reason why ... so they’re more ready to hear it. (e.g. "We need to stay an hour later because we're running behind.")

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
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State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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