How to Delete Downloaded Files on Chromebook

Chromebooks are popular for their speed, simplicity, and affordability, making them an attractive option for users who want a reliable device. However, as with any device, Chromebooks can also fill up with data over time, leading to a decrease in performance. One way to free up storage space is by deleting downloaded files. In this article, we’ll look at how to delete downloaded files on Chromebook and provide tips on managing your downloads.

Accessing the Downloads Folder

The first step in deleting downloaded files is accessing the downloads folder. The downloads folder is where all the files you download are stored. By default, Chromebook saves all downloaded files in this folder. To access the downloads folder, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Launcher icon located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on the “Files” app.
3. In the Files app, click on the “Downloads” folder on the left-hand menu.

Once you’ve accessed the downloads folder, you can begin selecting and deleting files.

Selecting and Deleting Files

To delete downloaded files on Chromebook, you’ll need to select the files you want to delete and then delete them. Here’s how to do it:

Selecting Individual Files

1. Click on the file you want to delete.
2. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
3. Click “Delete” to confirm.

Selecting Multiple Files

1. Click on the first file you want to delete.
2. Hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard.
3. Click on the last file you want to delete. This will select all files between the first and last file you clicked.
4. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
5. Click “Delete” to confirm.

Deleting files can free up valuable storage space on your Chromebook. However, there are other ways to manage your downloads that can also help keep your Chromebook running smoothly. In the next section, we’ll look at how to clear your downloads history.

Selecting and Deleting Files

To delete downloaded files on Chromebook, you’ll need to select the files you want to delete and then delete them. Here’s how to do it:

Selecting Individual Files

Individual files can easily be deleted by selecting them one by one. Here’s how:

1. Click on the file you want to delete.
2. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
3. Click “Delete” to confirm.

Selecting Multiple Files

If you have multiple files to delete, selecting them individually can be time-consuming. Luckily, you can select and delete multiple files at once. Here’s how:

1. Click on the first file you want to delete.
2. Hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard.
3. Click on the last file you want to delete. This will select all files between the first and last file you clicked.
4. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
5. Click “Delete” to confirm.

By selecting and deleting files, you can free up valuable storage space on your Chromebook. But what about the files that have already been deleted? That’s where clearing the downloads history comes in.

Clearing the Downloads History

When you download a file on Chromebook, it’s added to the downloads history. This list can quickly become cluttered with files you no longer need, making it difficult to find the files you do need. Clearing the downloads history can help you keep your downloads folder organized and make it easier to find the files you need. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Chrome browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “History” from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on “Clear browsing data” on the left-hand menu.
5. Check the box next to “Download history.”
6. Choose the time range for which you want to clear the download history. You can choose to clear the history for the past hour, day, week, or all time.
7. Click “Clear data” to confirm.

Clearing the downloads history can also help protect your privacy by removing any traces of the files you’ve downloaded. By following these steps, you can keep your downloads folder organized and your Chromebook running smoothly.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you have a large number of downloaded files, deleting them individually can be time-consuming. Fortunately, there are third-party apps that can help you manage your downloads more efficiently. Here are some of the best third-party apps for deleting downloaded files on Chromebook:

1. The Great Suspender

The Great Suspender is a popular Chrome extension that suspends tabs that have been inactive for a certain period of time. This can help free up memory on your Chromebook and improve its performance. Additionally, The Great Suspender can clear your downloads history and delete files that are no longer needed.

2. CCleaner

CCleaner is a popular system optimization tool that can help you clean up your Chromebook. It can clear your downloads history, delete temporary files, and optimize your system settings. CCleaner also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use.

3. CleanMyChrome

CleanMyChrome is a Chrome extension that can help you clean up your Chromebook. It can clear your downloads history, delete temporary files, and optimize your system settings. CleanMyChrome also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use.

Tips for Managing Downloads

Managing downloaded files is an essential part of keeping your Chromebook running smoothly. Here are some best practices for managing downloaded files on Chromebook:

1. Organize Your Downloads Folder

Keeping your downloads folder organized is essential for finding and deleting files quickly. Create subfolders for different types of files, such as music, videos, and documents. This will make it easier to find the files you need and delete the files you don’t.

2. Delete Files Regularly

Deleting downloaded files regularly can help free up storage space on your Chromebook. Every few weeks, go through your downloads folder and delete files you no longer need.

3. Use Cloud Storage

Using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can help you free up storage space on your Chromebook. You can upload your files to the cloud and delete them from your downloads folder, freeing up valuable space on your Chromebook.

By following these tips, you can keep your Chromebook running smoothly and avoid running out of storage space.