Windows 11 hacks: How to automate Recycle Bin cleaning on your PC

Windows 11 hacks: Deleted files often occupy a lot of storage space on our personal computers. While users keep deleting files from other folders on the PC or the files that they no longer need, a lot of them often forget to clear out deleted files from their PCs Recycle Bin folder, which creates a memory scarcity. Thankfully, Microsoft’s latest desktop OS, that is, Windows 11, lets users automate cleaning on Recycle Bin, which in turn saves a lot of time and storage space. Also Read: Wikipedia Signs AI Access Deals With Microsoft, Meta, Perplexity: Here's Why

For the unversed, clearing the Recycle Bin automatically enhances your PC’s performance in Windows 11 and makes sure that unneeded files are routinely discarded. So, here we have a step-by-step guide that will walk you through the process for setting up your computer to automatically empty the Recycle Bin. Also Read: Forza Horizon 6 Release Date May Have Leaked Via In-Game Pre-Order Listing

Windows 11 hacks: How to automate recycle bin cleaning on your PC

Step 1: Opening Task Scheduler
To start setting up a cleaning routine, click on the Start menu and do a quick search for ‘Task Scheduler.’ Open it up to get rolling. Also Read: Is Microsoft Planning Large-Scale Layoffs This Month? Here’s What The Company Said

Step 2: Begin Crafting Your Task
In the Task Scheduler interface, look to the right and select ‘Create Basic Task’ from the Actions list to open the setup wizard.

Step 3: Assigning a Task Name
Give your task a name and brief explanation. For instance, try ‘Recycle Bin Cleaning’ as a straightforward reference.

Step 4: Choose Your Trigger
Now, decide when you want your cleaning process to kick in. Pick ‘When the computer starts’ or ‘When I log on’ depending on what suits your usage best.

Step 5: Indicating the Required Action
Your next click should be on ‘Start a program’ – this lets you specify the recycle bin cleaner.

Step 6: Choosing the Right Program
In the Program field, type ‘cleanmgr.exe’. This is your built-in Windows Disk Cleanup tool. To automate cleaning, just add ‘/sagerun:1’ into the arguments field.

Step 7: Task Wrapping Up
Double-check all the task details to make sure everything’s in order and click ‘Finish’ – voila! Your automated cleaning task is set.

Step 8: Fine-Tune in Task Scheduler
Go back to Task Scheduler, find your newly created task under Task Scheduler Library. To make any adjustments like triggers or conditions, right-click the task and select ‘Properties.’