How to Clean Downloads Off of the Computer

Microsoft Windows established a "Downloads" folder with the release of Windows Vista in 2007. Windows 7, released in 2009, continues with this folder scheme by creating a "Downloads" folder under the home folder of every user account on the computer. By default, each downloaded file lands in the "Downloads" folder, though the location can be changed depending on the application being used. You can recover hard drive space by deleting downloads off the computer from the "Downloads" folder.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

2. Select the name of your user account at the top of the right column of the Start menu window.

3. Double-click the "Downloads" folder.

4. Press "Ctrl" + "A" simultaneously on the keyboard to select all files.

5. Press the "Del" key to send the downloaded files to the Recycle Bin. Hold the "Shift" key while pressing "Del" to permanently delete the downloaded files. Click "Yes" to continue.