Should i delete downloaded files

The installation package is then unnecessary. You can delete it, or save it in case you want to reinstall it without having to download it again. You can move or copy it; it won't make any difference where you run it from; it will always install its files where they are supposed to go. Note, though, that a few packages will set up the working files wherever the installation package sits, especially if the instructions say to move the installation package to a destination directory before running it, or you are inattentive and miss a prompt asking where to install it.

So verify that the download directory does not contain any working files or a child directory with working files. If it does, the easiest solution is to uninstall it and then reinstall it in the desired location. Summary: Within the limitations described above e. But there is no benefit to deleting the Downloads directory, itself. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group.

Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Is it safe to delete files in download folder Ask Question. Asked 3 years, 8 months ago. This fragmentation can cause your computer to run less efficiently. Large amounts of downloading and file deletion contributes to fragmentation. Since you can use the Disc Defragmenter tool to clean up your hard drive and and rearrange the files so the computer runs smoothly again, downloading and deleting isn't a concern.

Basic computer maintenance with this program takes care of any potential problems; you can also set the tool to run when you aren't at the computer. When a download is initiated, a temporary file is created on your hard drive and removed when the computer is shut down later.

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. My personal opinion of USB flash drives is that they are great for copying data from one computer to one computer or device to another. Literally — Move is often implemented as a copy followed by a delete.

Thank you for sharing this. I have always been curious about deleting downloads and you explained it very well in this article. Comments violating those rules will be removed. Comments that don't add value will be removed, including off-topic or content-free comments, or comments that look even a little bit like spam. All comments containing links and certain keywords will be moderated before publication. I want comments to be valuable for everyone, including those who come later and take the time to read.

Search Ask Leo! Can you safely delete set-up files of programs or updates you have downloaded from the internet? Since these were set-up or update files, I assume they were zipped, and that upon installation, the electronic carapace for lack of a better word became discardable?

Is this correct, or is the downloaded file necessary to the proper functioning of the file or update that has been downloaded like a Jack-in-the-Box that would stop being a Jack-in-the-Box if you removed the box? Which types of downloaded set-up files or updates are safe to delete, and which must remain if any must remain? Do this Subscribe to Confident Computing! I'll see you there! Podcast audio. Related Video. I'll show you how to find it and how to delete it. Here's a 4-step plan to managing that size and getting it back under control.

Thanks You Reply. I remember my first computer loading dos up and then loading the program you would use, one at a time… No windows to switch programs with, at least not until Atari came out with a better unit and hard drives… Reply. Everything is now back in working order.

Because I had my old exe files. Thank you, Mark and Leo. Point is understood. Thanks Leo. Got it! 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.