Over time, a practically endless number of PC optimization tools have appeared and one of their basic features is the ability to remove temporary files with many of these apps also providing scheduling capabilities. At last, it is possible to automatically clear temporary files in Windows 10 starting with build 15014 with no need to use a third-party tool or Microsoft’s Disk Cleanup utility.
Like with most Windows 10 features, this one is very easy to use, but you do need to know where to look and also customize it to fit your needs.
How to automatically clear temporary files in Windows 10
If you want to automatically clear temporary files in Windows 10, the first thing you need to do is open the Settings app.
Navigate to System -> Storage and enable the “Storage Sense” option. Technically, you could go about your business at this point but you might want to customize the behavior of this option.
By default, it automatically deletes files stored in the RecycleBin for more than 30 days. Some people might not like that so here’s how you can customize Storage Sense.
Right under this option, there’s a link called “Change how we free up space”. Click on it.
On the following page you have two options regarding the automated cleanup procedure. First, you can allow Windows to automatically “Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using”. No need to worry this feature could damage your operating system. Windows only deletes temporary files when they are no longer used so it’s recommended you keep this feature enabled.
Secondly, there is the option called “Delete files that have been in the Recycle Bin for over 30 days”. Since there is no way to customize the time period (at least for now), if you don’t like it you can just disable it.
On the same screen, you also have the option to manually start a cleanup task, although the automated process works well and you shouldn’t need to do this very often.
