Clearing Download folder easily


Debbie V

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1:11 AM
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Windows 11
Hi
I was wondering if there is an easy way of seeing if a file in the download file has been moved. I am trying to clean it up and the prospect of searching for every file individually will take a loooonnng time.

Hoping that there is a way of doing it quickly. Thanks in advance!
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 Build 22621.2428 Version 22H2

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Try Dir command from Command Prompt, for example.

Code:
Dir %UserProfile%\Downloads\filename.txt
 

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Thanks for the info.....do i clear the line in Command Support and paste it in then?
 

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it has the line c:\Users\myname>

where do i paste the line with my user name in it? sorry for my ignorance!
 

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I am trying to clean it up and the prospect of searching for every file individually will take a loooonnng time.

@Debbie V - In my case I keep the folder empty by deleting downloaded items after I have used them or I move them if I want to keep them.
Maybe it is the same with you so ask yourself if you need any of the files in there and, if not then just delete the lot using File Explorer.
This is the easiest because there is no searching for named files. Saves headaches in the future.
Here is a photo of the 'Downloads' folder on my machine.

Downloads Folder.png
 

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Hoping that there is a way of doing it quickly. Thanks in advance!
Hi Debbie!

Does you notebook have a second hard drive or ssd ?
If so, redirect your downloads to the other drive and don't use the Downloads folder.
This way you know where every download is and keeps the Download folder clean
and also less clutter on the OS drive.

You can do that in the browser that you use by going to settings Files and Application / Download (in Firefox)
Might be a bit different in other browsers.

1699438125533.png
 

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Yep I have to be more vigilant in how I manage these files, once i get it cleared I hope to get a bit more organised. Thanks fo all the suggestions :-)
 

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In my case 'Downloads' folder never has more than about 6 files in it and 99% of the time it is empty. Good luck. :-)
 

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Yep I have to be more vigilant in how I manage these files, once i get it cleared I hope to get a bit more organized. Thanks fo all the suggestions :-)
Welcome. All it is really, is to make a few folders on the other HDD or SSD and redirect the download to whatever the file is
in the respective folder. This way you know where to look and keeps things neat & tidy.
 

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it has the line c:\Users\myname>

where do i paste the line with my user name in it? sorry for my ignorance!
The %UserProfile%\Downloads is the folder path to C:\Users\UserName\Downloads execute the command as i have typed but replace the file name and extension.

The Cls command will clear the screen of Command Prompt.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11AMD Ryzen 7 5700GMicron Technology DDR4-3200 16GBNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
OS
Windows 11
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Pavilion
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
Motherboard
Erica6
Memory
Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Sound Card
Realtek ALC671
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
Screen Resolution
3840 x 2160
Hard Drives
SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
Not having any luck..... telling me that \Downloads is not recognized as an internal or external command.

Maybe I am not doing it correctly. I appreciate your patience!
 

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OS
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Are you opening a Command window first before entering the command string into it? You are not entering the command string into the 'Run' box or 'Search' box are you?
To open a command window type 'cmd' in the run box and click on cmd.exe to open the window. Then enter the text inside the window and press the Enter key.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProAMD Ryzen 9 8945HS32GB DDR5 SO-DIMMIntegrated AMD Radeon 780M (4.00 GHz)
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    GMKtec K11
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 SO-DIMM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated AMD Radeon 780M (4.00 GHz)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 2250HM
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeIntel® Core™ Ultra 7 - 255H processor16 GB LPDDR5 SDRAMIntel Arc 140T onboard graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED 14" Laptop - UX3405CA-QL192W
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 - 255H processor
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5 SDRAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Arc 140T onboard graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 (16:10 WUXGA resolution) OLED Touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    1TB SSD

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