Delete Files From Downloads Folder Overview: Most people often download lots of files to their computer or laptop but forget to delete the unnecessary files. Over time these unnecessary files pile up and create storage problems. Windows 10 now introduces a feature where you can automatically delete files in the Downloads folder & Recycle Bin after a specified number of days.
If you use a file on a daily or even weekly basis, keeping that in your Downloads folder makes sense. However, many PC users often download files but forget about it after some days. The same thing happens with the Recycle Bin as well. Although we delete files from Desktop or other drives but often forget to empty the Recycle Bin.
To get rid of the potential low storage problems, Microsoft earlier included a feature called Storage Sense.
Microsoft finally understood the problem with junk files and updated their service accordingly. Now you have one less problem to remember.
If you download the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update v 1709, you can get even more features alongside Storage Sense. Now you would be able to delete files from Recycle Bin as well as the Download folder automatically after a specified number of days.
Delete files in Downloads Folder & Recycle Bin Automatically
This feature is included in the Windows Settings panel or control panel. Open it by pressing Win+I and go to System > Storage. On your right-hand side, you will find an option called Storage Sense. If this is turned off, toggle the button to turn it on.
At the same place, you will see another option called Change how we free up space. Click on it to set it up. On the next page, you will see three options-
- Delete temporary files that my apps aren’t using
- Delete files that have been in the recycle bin for over 1/14/30/60 days
- Delete files in the Downloads folder that haven’t changed in 1/14/30/60 days
You need to check the 2nd and 3rd options. You can also use all three of them if you want to remove all the temporary files that your apps have used earlier but aren’t using anymore. You can also try the dark theme to protect your eyes.
Do remember to not keep any useful files file in the Download folder as they will get automatically deleted after the specifies days henceforth.
Auto Recycle Bin for Windows PC
There is a third-party freeware called Auto Recycle Bin that offers more options to automatically empty Recycle Bin in Windows.
It can delete items in the Recycle Bin after a specified period of time, remove large items earlier, and keep small items for a longer time. It also supports multiple disks.