Windows allows for you to set your Recycle Bin to automatically empty on regular intervals. You can enable the removal of temporary files through the storage settings on your computer. Here you can select between a few varying folders and options. Allowing you to delete the contents of your recycle bin.
Temporary files are documents that are not seen as necessary for your programs to function properly. Generally if software needs a temporary file you have previously deleted it will recreate it. Because the recycle bin is just a collection of deleted files Windows considers them temporary.
Start by opening the Windows start menu and selecting Settings from the side panel. You can do this by typing in “settings” or clicking on the cog icon.
A new window will open, switch to the System Settings.
Navigate down the side panel and click on Storage. Here you will be able to see where most of the data on your primary drive is located. The storage settings can help you easily identify and clean out your computer.
Enable the storage sense option by flicking the switch near the top of the window.
Choose to configure storage sense by clicking on the available text.
Here you can configure when your device will clear the files. The general storage sense allows for you to choose between daily, weekly, monthly or only when there is low disk space remaining. Select which one you want via the dropdown menu.
Next select if and when you want your temporary files to be removed. These files are created by the different programs you use. A program will generally recreate them if they’re needed. Windows also considers the files in your Recycle Bin temporary files. Check the box to enable it, if it isn’t already. The menu below allows for you to select how often the task will be performed.
How often you want the bin to be emptied will be personal preference. When deciding you should take into consideration how many files you delete on a daily basis, and what the files usually are. If they are related to projects you’re working on, then selecting a longer time period is advised.
Here you can also set your Downloads folder to auto empty. Again you can choose between different time periods.
Click on the back button at the top of the Window to switch back to the storage menu. Under the Local Disk heading select Temporary files. If you don’t see it then you can press “Show more categories”.
Wait a few seconds and you will see a list load. This serves as a checklist of what files you want to be cleared out. Check Recycle Bin to enable it. You can also enable and disable any other options you wish.
Why You Should Clean Out Your Recycle Bin
Over time your recycle bin can end up full of data and files. Removing them can free up space on your harddrive and potentially speed up its performance. Although the items in your bin have been deleted the data for the files remain in case you want to recover them.
If you have deleted personal or private information it may still be in your recycle bin. It is best to make sure that all this data is permanently deleted so no unwanted people can gain access to it.
Save Time with Storage Cleaning
There is only limited space on your harddrive. Many professions and hobbies require a large storage space. Enabling your recycle bin to automatically empty can save you from trying to free up storage later.
Take Caution When Emptying Your Recycle Bin
Having your recycle bin set to automatically delete could lead to the loss of an important document. If you have accidently deleted something that you still need it could become unrecoverable.
To avoid the loss of documents you still require, you should set the automatic deletion to a lengthier time frame. A lengthy span of 14 or 30 days is recommended.
