When you delete files, the deleted files will still remain available on your computer until they are manually cleared from the Recycle Bin. Hence, Windows operating system provides the option clear the Recycle bin, both manually and automatically.
All that is required to manually clear the Recycle bin on a Windows 11/10 computer is to right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin option in the right-click menu.
However, you can also automate this process by configuring the ‘Storage Sense’ settings on your computer to automatically clear the Recycle bin after a set period of time (Day, Week, Month and other available periods).
1. Automatically Clear Recycle Bin in Windows 11
If you are using Windows 11, you can follow the steps below to automatically empty the Recycle bin after a set period of time.
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage > move the toggle next to Storage Sense to ON position and click on Storage sense.
2. On the next screen, set Delete files in my recycle bin…. option to 1 Day, 1 Week or any other available period.
After this, Deleted Files will be automatically cleared from the Recycle Bin after your selected period.
2. Automatically Clear Recycle Bin in Windows 10
If you are using Windows 10, you can follow the steps below to automatically empty the Recycle bin on your computer after your desired set period of time.
1. Go to Settings > System > Storage > move the toggle next to Storage Sense to ON position.
2. Next, click on Configure Storage Sense or run it now option in the right-pane.
3. On the next screen, scroll down to Temporary files section and set Delete files in my recycle bin option to your desired period of time.
After this, Deleted Files will be automatically cleared from Recycle Bin after your selected period.