Fix “Storage Almost Full” Using Storage Sense (OneDrive Users)

How to Fix “Storage Almost Full” on Your Computer (Windows)
for Users WITH OneDrive Account Access

When to use this version

Use these steps only if the user:

• Has a company OneDrive account
• Syncs folders (Invoices, Documents, Desktop, etc.)
• Is running out of space because files are stored locally

PURPOSE

This process frees up disk space by removing unused local copies of files while keeping everything safely stored in OneDrive.

⚠️ No files are deleted.

STEP‑BY‑STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1 — Open Storage Settings

1. Click Start
2. Open Settings
3. Select System
4. Click Storage

Step 2 — Turn On Storage Sense

1. Locate Storage Sense
2. Toggle it On

Step 3 — Configure Storage Sense

1. Click Storage Sense (or Configure Storage Sense or run it now)

Enable:

• ✅ Keep Windows running smoothly
• ✅ Automatic User Content Cleanup

Step 4 — Configure OneDrive File Behavior (IMPORTANT)

1. Scroll to the OneDrive section
2. Under Locally available cloud content, select:
   • 14 days

✅ Files not opened in 14 days will return to the cloud
✅ File names remain visible
✅ Files re‑download automatically if opened

Step 5 — Run Storage Sense Immediately

1. Scroll to the bottom
2. Click Run Storage Sense now

RESULT

• Disk space is reclaimed
• Files remain safe in OneDrive
• Computer performance improves
• Storage Sense continues running automatically

IMPORTANT NOTES (DO NOT SKIP)

• Files are not deleted
• This is the preferred IT‑approved method
• Best solution when OneDrive syncing causes low disk space