Automate Windows Maintenance in Windows 10 and 11: Older versions of Windows, like XP, included a simple "Scheduled Task Wizard" for automating system maintenance. Modern versions of Windows no longer use that interface. Instead, Windows 10 and Windows 11 handle most routine maintenance automatically in the background.
Today, Windows can:
- Clean up temporary files automatically
- Empty the Recycle Bin on a schedule
- Optimize hard drives and SSDs automatically
- Run background maintenance while your PC is idle
In most cases, you do not need custom scripts at all. However, it is still useful to understand where these features live and how to control them. This updated guide shows you how to configure Windows' built in maintenance tools and, if you want, create your own scheduled task.
Configure Automatic Disk Cleanup with Storage Sense
Disk Cleanup still exists, but Microsoft has largely replaced it with Storage Sense. Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and cleans up system clutter on a schedule.
- Open Settings
- Go to System -> Storage
- Turn Storage Sense on
- Click Storage Sense to configure it
- Choose how often it runs (daily, weekly, monthly, or when space is low)
- Select what gets cleaned, such as temporary files and Recycle Bin items
Once enabled, Windows will automatically clean your system without any scripts or manual work.
Verify Automatic Drive Optimization
Windows now uses Optimize Drives instead of the old Disk Defragmenter. This tool automatically handles both traditional hard drives and SSDs. SSDs are not defragmented in the old sense. They are trimmed and maintained safely.
- Press Start and search for Defragment and Optimize Drives
- Open the tool
- Click Change settings
- Make sure Run on a schedule is enabled
- Choose how often optimization runs
This ensures your drives are maintained automatically in the background.
Create a Custom Scheduled Task (Optional)
If you prefer full control, you can still schedule your own maintenance tasks using the modern Task Scheduler.
- Press Start and search for Task Scheduler
- Click Create Basic Task
- Name it something like Weekly Maintenance
- Choose how often it should run
- Select Start a program
- For Disk Cleanup, enter:
cleanmgr.exe
- Optionally add arguments like:
/sagerun:1
- Finish the wizard
Advanced users can combine commands in a batch file or PowerShell script and schedule that instead.
Conclusion
Modern Windows already takes care of itself in ways that once required manual setup. Storage Sense and Optimize Drives handle most routine maintenance automatically. Task Scheduler remains available for power users who want deeper control.
What once required custom scripts and step by step wizards is now built into Windows. The goal remains the same: let your computer maintain itself while you focus on what matters.