How to disable Storage sense on Windows 10

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If Storage sense isn't for you, you can disable the feature using these steps.

Storage sense on Windows 10 is a feature designed to monitor your device and free up space automatically. When your computer is running low on space, the feature will delete junk files, such as temporary system files, items you sent to the recycle bin, and many other items to make room for more important files.

Although Storage sense can be useful to optimize space automatically, it's not a feature for everyone, and for this reason, Windows 10 includes options to disable the feature in at least two ways using the Settings app and Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to disable Storage sense on your computer.

How to disable Storage sense using Settings

Windows 10 should have Storage sense disabled by default, but you can check and turn off the feature as necessary using these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on System.
  3. Click on Storage.
  4. Turn off the Storage sense toggle switch.

Once you've completed the steps, the feature will stop running automatically on your device.

In the event that your device starts running out of space to perform an upgrade or store files, you can re-enable the feature and use these tips to free up space.

How to disable Storage sense using Registry

Alternatively, if you're looking to create a script or .reg file to disable the feature more quickly on several devices, you can also disable Storage sense on Windows 10 by modifying the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

  1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
  2. Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
  3. Browse the following path:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\StorageSense\Parameters\StoragePolicyQuick Tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
  4. Double-click the 01 DWORD and set its value from 1 to 0.

  1. Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, Storage sense will no longer run automatically on your installation.

In the case you change your mind, you can roll back the previous settings using the same instructions, but on step No. 4, make sure to change the DWORD value to 1.

While you can also disable Storage sense using the Registry, at the time of this writing, there's not an option to perform the same task with the Group Policy Editor. However, the settings are planned to arrive with Windows 10 version 1903 (19H1) releasing during the first half of 2019.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.