When your downloaded data accumulates, the data will take up storage space that can be useful for other data. Cleaning your download data regularly will help you increase your storage space and make it easier for you to find the data you need. The process of deleting your data varies depending on the operating system you are using.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Windows
Step 1. Open the Downloads/My Downloads folder
You can do a quick way for this by pressing Windows key + E and then selecting the folder.
Step 2. Find the data you want to delete. Most programs will place the downloaded data in the Downloads folder
Some programs will create their own download folder. If you know the program you normally use to download data, check the settings section to see where it stores download data on your computer
Step 3. Perform a search to find data that you don't know the name of
If you can't find the data you're looking for in the Downloads folder, where you know the name of the data, you can use Windows search to try to find it. If Windows can find it then the results will be displayed in the search results section.
Step 4. Open the download manager in your browser if you can't find the data you're looking for
If you just downloaded the data, the download history of the data may still exist in the download manager in the browser you are using. This will allow you to go directly to where you want to delete the data stored.
- In Chrome browser – Press Control (Ctrl) + J. Then press "Show in folder" for the data you want to delete.
- In Firefox browser – Press Control (Ctrl) + J to open the download section. Press the Folder button to open the folder where the download data is stored.
- In Internet Explorer browser – Press Control (Ctrl) + J or press the gear icon and select "Downloads". Tap the location field for the data you want to delete.
Step 5. Slide the data on the Recycle Bin
Unstuck is easier, you can select the data and press Delete, or press the right mouse button on the data and select "Delete".
If your data can't be erased, it may be because another app is using it. This is a common problem if you are using a shared application as someone might try to download the data from you. Close any applications that the data might be using and try again
Problem
Step 1. I can't delete the data
If Windows doesn't let you delete the data, it's usually because the data is being used by another application. This is a common problem if you download your data through the BitTorrent application and you still share it with other users, or you may still open your data in other programs. Close any other apps that might still be using your data and try again.
Click here if you are still having trouble deleting data
Method 2 of 4: Mac
Step 1. Open your Downloads folder
You can access the Downloads folder from your Dock, its location is the same as in Windows which is located on the side of the operating window. This is the location this is the default location where the downloaded data is stored. If you change the location where the download data is saved in the downloader application that you are using, make sure you know the storage location well.
You can also tap on your home screen, then press "Go" → "Downloads"
Step 2. Find the data you want to delete
Search in the Downloads folder until you find the data you want to delete.
Step 3. Refine your search to disk image data only
Applications on a Mac are usually downloaded in DMG format, where the disk image data contains the application. When you install an application, the DMG data is still stored in the Downloads folder, which takes up storage space on your computer.
In the search field in the upper right corner, type disk image and select "Disk Image" from the "Kinds" section. This will narrow the folder window to only DMG formatted data, which will allow you to quickly free up space on your computer
Step 4. Open the download manager in your browser if you can't find the data you're looking for
If you just downloaded the data, the download history of the data may still be in the download manager of the browser you are using. This will allow you to go directly to where you want to delete the data stored.
- In Chrome browser – Press Control (Ctrl) + J. Then press "Show in folder" for the data you want to delete.
- In Firefox browser – Press Control (Ctrl) + J to open the download section. Press the Folder button to open the folder where the download data is stored.
- In the safari browser – Press the "Window" menu and select "Downloads". Press on the magnifying glass button next to the data you want to delete.
Step 5. Slide the data into the trash (Trash)
Alternatively, you can select the data you want to delete and then press the Delete key, or press the right mouse button on the data and select "Delete".
If your data cannot be deleted, it may be because it is being used by another application. This is a common problem if you use a shared app, as someone might try to download the data from you. Close any applications that the data might be using and try again
Problem
Step 1. I want to delete all my download history
OS X on Mac keeps a history of all the downloads you've made, if you're worried about the security of your operating system, and worried that someone else might see it, you can delete it entirely using the terminal.
- Open Terminal in the Utilities folder.
- Type sqlite3 ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple. LaunchServices. QuarantineEventsV* 'delete from LSQuarantineEvent' and press Return.
Step 2. I can't delete the data
If OS X doesn't allow you to delete your data, it's because it may still be being used by other applications. This is a common problem if you download your data through the BitTorrent application and you still share it with other users, or you may still open your data in other programs. Close any other apps that might still be using your data and try again.
Click here if you are still having trouble deleting data
Method 3 of 4: Android
Step 1. Download and install a file manager app
There are tons of file manager apps for Android. You can download this application through the Google Play Store. Your device may have a built-in file manager. Some of the popular applications include:
- ES File Explorer
- Astro File Manager
- X-Plore File Manager
Step 2. Navigate to your Downloads folder
When you open the file manager application, you will be shown a list of all the storage areas on your phone. Pay attention to the folder that says "Downloads". You may have to swipe up or down to find this folder.
Note: Your downloaded images may be stored in the Pictures folder, and downloaded videos may be stored in the Videos folder
Step 3. Press and hold the data you want to delete
This process will depend on the file manager you are using, but usually you can press and hold on the data and then press "Delete" in the menu that appears. You can also select multiple records at once and select Delete.
Problem
Step 1. I can't find the File Manager app
Step 2. I can't find the data I've downloaded
Usually the download data will be stored in your Downloads folder, but some apps may place it in a different location. With your device connected to your computer, you can more easily search for the data you need, which can help you find it.
Method 4 of 4: iOS
Step 1. Open the app that holds the data you want to delete
iOS devices don't give you direct access to where your downloads are stored. So, the data can be deleted directly through the application that is opened. This means if you want to delete PDF formatted data, you can delete it via iBooks or. If you want to delete a song, you can do so through the Music app.
Step 2. Tap data to bring up the delete menu
This process will vary depending on the application you're using, but generally you can simply tap on the data you want to delete to bring up a menu of options for deleting.
Step 3. Press and hold data to select multiple data
After you have suppressed all the data you want to delete, press the delete menu option.
Step 4. Use iTunes to delete songs that you can't delete directly from your device
You may find it difficult to delete a song that you have downloaded, especially if you connected it using iTunes. Click here for further instructions for deleting a song.
Step 5. Use your computer to delete multiple photos at once
If you have a lot of photos that you want to delete, the quickest way to do this is to connect your iOS device to your computer and use an image manager app to do it. Click here for full instructions.
Problem
Step 1. I can't find the data I want to delete
iOS devices have a very different operating system than most other devices, and this can make it difficult to find and delete certain data. You'll need to use an app that can open the type of data you want to clear in order to do this.
