> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eazybackup.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eazybackup.com/guides/how-to-enable-immediate-retention-cleanup.md).

# How to Enable Immediate Retention Cleanup

By default, backup retention policies may run separately from the backup job itself. Enabling **Immediate Retention Cleanup** ensures that old backup data is removed **immediately after a backup completes**, helping keep your storage usage under control.

This setting is useful if you want retention rules to be applied right away rather than waiting for a later cleanup process.

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### Step 1 — Open the Protected Item Configuration

1. Open the **eazyBackup client software**
2. Select the **Protected Item** you want to modify
3. Click **Configure**

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### Step 2 — Open the Schedule Settings

1. Select the **Schedule** tab
2. Select the schedule you want to edit
3. Click the **Edit (pencil) icon**

<figure><img src="/files/tSUOMEiDkqv1vlDH0hdU" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 3 — Enable Immediate Retention Cleanup

1. In the schedule window, select the **Advanced** tab
2. Locate the option **Apply retention policy after backup**
3. Set this option to **Run immediately**

<figure><img src="/files/ivYb2vYwcPCFOD3ZWo3q" alt="" width="410"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 4 — Save the Changes

Click **Save** to apply the new schedule settings.

Once enabled, it may take 1-2 backup jobs to:

* Complete the backup and locate expired data
* Run the retention policy
* Remove any old backup data according to your configured retention rules