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How to delete the download files in the download folder?

Anonymous
2017-09-10T17:54:31+00:00

Split from this thread.

Is it safe to delete the downloads is the Downloads file?

Downloads *file*? You mean downloads *folder*, I assume.

Safe? Yes.

Should you? It depends. It's up to you, as to whether you think it might be necessary to reinsstall the program there, or reuse the files there for whatever purpose.

You could also consider moving the files in the downloads folder to external media such as CDs or DVDs.

where on my computer to I find the download files, and how do I get there. I would like to view what it is I'm removeing? Is this too much to ask for

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. LemP 74,925 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-09-10T18:07:56+00:00

    @ 1stold_dog

    Downloaded files are wherever you put them. 

    Many browsers, including Internet Explorer, default to saving downloaded files in your "Downloads" folder, which by default is located at

              C:\Users<yourusername>\Downloads

    Because other locations may easily be configured as a default (or you may have chosen to save to a different location by using the "Save as" option), you should check whichever browser you use to see where it's saving things. 

    If you use Internet Explorer 11, press CTRL+J to open the folder where IE saves downloaded files.  Each of the files shown will show the location where it was saved; if you hover the mouse over that link, you'll see the complete path to the saved file.  If you click the "Options" link at the lower left of that window, you can change the default save folder.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-09-10T18:10:16+00:00

    Split from this thread.

    where do I find download files

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-10T16:54:07+00:00

    Split from this thread.

    You can usually access your program via the Start Menu. Where they are actually stored (i.e. the directory) will depend on the program and possibly where you decided to install them. If you have Windows 7 32-Bit you will find many of them in *C:\Program Files* . However if you have Windows 7 64-Bit they may be in one of two such folders *C:\Program Files*   or   *C:\Program Files (x86)*  where the former is for 64-Bit programs and the latter is for 32-Bit progarms.

    Another place you will find programs is *C:\Windows\System32*  (and *C:\Windows\SysWoW64* if you have Windows 7 64-Bit). Among loads of other stuff, you will find the executable files for things like Paint (MSPaint.exe) and the Snipping Tool (SnippingTool.exe) in here. These are very important system folders so don't mess around in here unless you know what you doing.

    The above is not in exhaustive list.

    As for personal data files (documents, videos, pictures, music, etc.), these should be kept in Libraries. These are a simple way of keeping these files organized and separate from system and program files. For more details on libraries, please see:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/features/libraries .

    where do I find download files

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