Can i clear my downloads folder

Now, there comes another file deletion issue — Disk Cleanup empty Downloads folder also on the Windows 10 October Update. Too many temporary and unnecessary files will not only occupy disk space, but also influence the computer responding speed.

This even becomes a necessary after you installed the Windows 10 October Update on computer. I advise you to back up the Downloads folder before starting Disk Cleanup. That is simply because the Downloads folder has been added as an additional location by Microsoft and it will be checked by default during Disk Cleanup. Files saved here can be removed easily. Also, as it shows the files you've downloaded, it could be a security or privacy risk.

To clear your downloads folder or download history, click a link in the list below and follow the instructions. To clear the files in the Downloads folder in Windows , follow the steps below. If there isn't a Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, you can restore it. To clear the files in the Downloads folder on your Mac computer, follow the steps below. You may also clear download history entries by highlighting them and pressing Delete.

If you're using Microsoft Windows , you can also see our Windows steps for deleting downloads using Windows. To clear the files in the Downloads folder for Microsoft Edge Legacy, follow these steps. Check out these articles:. The native ability to remove old files from the Downloads folder automatically is one of the best improvements to the built-in maintenance tools in Windows We hope Microsoft extends this to clean up Windows Update related files too in the future such as files superseded by newer versions and downloaded updates in the Software Distribution folder.

Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:. This is confusing for me because the downloads folder is the place I put certain files deliberately. It would not accumulate junk without me noticing it and emptying it automatically is the last thing I would want.

Temp files and folders are another matter. This is a great feature. We have users who open personal items from their webmail that gets saved to the Downloads folder. Now if we can only set it to delete daily. Your email address will not be published. Support us Winaero greatly relies on your support. Share this post. Is this is repeat as vague remember seeing this article before? Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.