Does erasing downloads eliminate the saved file?

The most common scenario for needing that download again is getting a new machine. The second most common scenario? The instructions for a complete reinstall are pretty simple: reinstall Windows and then reinstall all your applications. It varies, of course, depending on how you organize your life. That could be a different machine, an external hard drive, your backup drive, cloud storage, or some other storage location dedicated to the task.

When I download software to my machine I currently 1 :. I can also save space in OneDrive by making the folder, or just the file, cloud-only. In my case, since I have several computers, this practice allows me to avoid downloading the same thing multiple times. Subscribe to Confident Computing!

Less frustration and more confidence, solutions, answers, and tips in your inbox every week. Download right-click, Save-As Duration: — 8. It might be different yet again by the time you read this. I have some OLD downloads that are 10 to 15 years old, some of those are bough softwares, from now out of business vendors, that I still use regularly. Doing it twice, or more, a year is only for peoples that are doing researches, testing and other things that may corrupt the OS or worst or that demand a clean slate state.

He just said that he, given his very special use of his computer, regularly did clean reinstalls. Not twice a year, no, but periodically is indeed a good idea. You have great articles, and I read them often. Could you please make them less wordy. I have to read and read to get the answer. Could you just say mostly yes or no and then briefly delineate. Unfortunately answers are rarely just yes or no, and require explanation so that individuals can take the actions most appropriate to their situation.

I get that some one may like a short and sweet answer; but the reality is, I am sure there are many of us who appreciate the explanations. It helps fill in the blanks for what is or may be happening. Now, What about windows set up files. Are there parts of windows that can be archived the same way? Are there other setup files on a machine that might be archived as well.

Keeping a machine organized seems really overwhelming sometimes. 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. To clear the files in the Downloads folder for Internet Explorer, follow these steps.

Home Help Internet Help. If your computer has ever been incorrectly powered down, the temporary file may still be taking up a small amount of space on your hard drive. If you're concerned about the downloads you're deleting, run Disk Cleanup in your system tools to take care of any lingering temporary files that are clogging up your hard drive.

Melly Parker has been writing since , focusing on health, business, technology and home improvement. She has also worked as a teacher and a bioassay laboratory technician. Parker now serves as a marketing specialist at one of the largest mobile app developers in the world.

She holds a Master of Science in English. Google Chrome Hangs When Opening. Installing the Eraser tool Download the Eraser installer. When prompted to continue with the installation, click Yes. When the installation is finished, a shortcut to Eraser is added to your desktop. Using the Eraser to permanently delete files To erase a file or folder, right-click the file or folder, hover over Eraser , and then click Erase.