Simple Ways to Remove Downloaded Files

PDF download Download Article
Easy-to-follow ways that you can use to get rid of old download files that you no longer need
PDF download Download Article

When your downloaded files start to pile up, they can hog your free space that could be better used elsewhere. Regularly clearing out your downloaded files will save you a lot of space and make it easier to find the files you need. The process for deleting your files varies depending on the operating system you are using.

Things You Should Know

  • On Windows, drag and drop files from the "Downloads" folder into the Recycle Bin.
  • On Mac, drag and drop old downloaded files to the Trash.
  • On Android, open your file manager (like My Files), then tap and hold on to a file you want to delete. Tap the trash can icon to remove it.
  • On iPhone, swipe right to delete an item.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can quickly access this by pressing the Windows key + E and then selecting the folder.
  2. Most of your programs will place downloaded files in the Downloads folder.
    • Some programs will create their own download folders. If you know the program that you used to download the file, check its settings to see where files are being saved on your computer.
    Advertisement
  3. If you can't find the file in your Downloads folder, but you know the name of it, you can use Windows Search to try to find it. Press the Windows key and type in the name of the file. If Windows can find it, it will be displayed in the search results.
  4. If you downloaded the file recently, it may still be listed in your web browser's download manager. This will allow you to open a window directly to the file you want to remove.
    • Chrome - Press Control + J. Click the "Show in folder" link for the file you want to delete.
    • Firefox - Press Control + J to open the Downloads section of the Library. Click the Folder button to open the folder that the download is located in.
    • Internet Explorer - Press Control + J or click the Gear icon and select "Downloads". Click the link in the Location column for the file you want to delete.
  5. Alternatively, you can select the file and press Delete, or right-click on the file and select "Delete".
    • If your file cannot be deleted, it is because it is in use by another program. This is most common with file-sharing programs, as someone may be trying to download the file from you. Close any programs that may be using the file and try again.
    6. Advertisement

Troubleshooting

  1. If Windows will not let you delete the file, it is likely because it is in use by another program. This is typically the case if you downloaded the file through BitTorrent and are still seeding it, or you have already opened it in another program. Close any programs that may be using the file and try again.
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can access the Downloads folder from your Dock, as well as in the sidebar of any Finder window. This is the default location that most apps will download files to. If you've changed the download location in any of your app's Preferences menu, you'll want to check the location you specified.
    • You can also click your desktop, and then click "Go" → "Downloads".
  2. Browse through your Downloads folder until you find the file that you want to remove.
  3. Mac programs are downloaded as DMG files, which are disk image files that contain the program. When you install a program, the DMG file remains in your Downloads folder, taking up space.
    • In the search bar in the upper-right corner, type disk image and select "Disk Image" from the "Kinds" section. This will limit the display to just DMG files, allowing you to quickly clear a lot of space.
  4. If you downloaded the file recently, it may still be listed in your web browser's download manager. This will allow you to open a window directly to the file you want to remove.
    • Chrome - Press Command + J. Click the "Show in folder" link for the file you want to delete.
    • Firefox - Press Command + J to open the Downloads section of the Library. Click the Folder button to open the folder that the download is located in.
    • Safari - Click the "Window" menu and select "Downloads". Click the Magnifying Glass button next to the file you want to delete.
  5. Alternatively, you can select the file and press Delete, or right-click on the file and select "Delete".
    • If your file cannot be deleted, it is because it is in use by another program. This is most common with file-sharing programs, as someone may be trying to download the file from you. Close any programs that may be using the file and try again.
    6. Advertisement

Troubleshooting

  1. OS X keeps a log of all of your downloaded files. If you're concerned about the security of your system and prying eyes, you can manually clear this log file using the terminal.
    • Open the Terminal in your Utilities folder.
    • Type sqlite3 ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.QuarantineEventsV* ‘delete from LSQuarantineEvent’ and press Return.
  2. If OS X will not let you delete the file, it is likely because it is in use by another program. This is typically the case if you downloaded the file through BitTorrent and are still seeding it, or you have already opened it in another program. Close any programs that may be using the file and try again.
    3. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are a variety of free file manager apps available for Android. These can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Your device may come with a file manager installed already. Popular apps include:
    • ES File Explorer
    • Astro File Manager
    • X-Plore File Manager
  2. When you open your file manager app, you will be shown a list of all of the directories on your phone. Look for the one labeled "Downloads". You may have to move up a directory to see it.
    • Note: Downloaded pictures may be located in your Pictures folder, and downloaded videos may be located in your Videos folder.
  3. The process varies depending on the file manager, but usually you can press and hold the file and then tap "Delete" from the menu that appears. You may also be able to select multiple files and tap a Delete button.
    4. Advertisement

Troubleshooting

  1. If you'd rather manage your downloaded files using your computer, you can connect your Android device using a USB cable. This will allow you to open your Android device like a USB drive and manage the files. Click here for detailed instructions .
  2. Nearly all downloaded files should be located in your Downloads folder, but some apps may place them in other locations. With your device connected to your computer, you can run a search for the file much easier, which should help you locate it.
    3. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

iOS

PDF download Download Article
  1. iOS devices don't give you access to any single Downloads location on your device. Instead, files are deleted through the apps that open the. This means that if you want to delete a PDF, you can delete it through iBooks or Adobe Reader. If you want to delete a song, you can do so through the Music app.
  2. The process will actually vary depending on the app you are using, but generally you can swipe the file to bring up the Delete button.
  3. Once you've tapped all of the files you want to delete, tap the Delete button.
  4. You may have difficulty removing a downloaded song, especially if you synced it using iTunes. Click here for detailed instructions on deleting music.
  5. If you have a lot of photos that you want to get rid of, the fastest way to do so is to connect your iOS device to your computer and use your operating system's picture manager to do so. Click here for detailed instructions.
    6. Advertisement

Troubleshooting

  1. iOS devices have a much different file system than most other devices, and this can make it very difficult to find and remove specific files. You'll need to use an app that can open the type of file that you want to delete in order to access and delete the file.
    • The only way to get around this is to jailbreak your iOS device . This doesn't come without risks, and will not work for all devices, but once you're jailbroken you can install file manager apps that allow you to manipulate files much like you would on Android.



Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I remove pictures that are doubled?
    Community Answer
    Either delete both images and re-download the image, or take a look at both images and delete the unwanted image, keeping your desired image.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How do I remove a downloaded game?
    Community Answer
    The specifics depend on the operating system, but games are generally treated just like apps or programs on whichever platform you're using. If you don't know how to uninstall something on your platform, you'll have to look up a guide online.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Download Any Video for Free: 5 Step-by-Step Methods
      Best & Fastest Ways to Download a Video to Your Device
      How to
      Download Google Play Store Applications to a PC
      How to
      Boost Your Download Speed: 26 Easy Tricks That Work
      How to
      Save a Photo or Map Image from Google Maps
      How to
      Install PC Video Games: The Top Sites for Installing Games
      How to
      Add a Download Link
      How to
      Download Fonts from Dafont
      How to
      Download PS3 Games
      How to
      Download Free Music Online Legally: 9 Working Sites
      How to
      Download Flash Games So You Can Play Offline
      How to
      Register Internet Download Manager (IDM) on PC or Mac
      3 Simple Ways to Download Images From Any Website
      How to
      Download WinRAR
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 404,573 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement