Unless you choose a different destination, which is sometimes not even an option, all files and applications you download onto your Mac go to your Downloads folder.
Sometimes, even if you utilise these files and then store an updated version elsewhere, they will still leave a copy in your Downloads folder, which can be a memory and performance drain.
The.dmg file that was downloaded along with an application is usually useless after the software has been installed.
It’s a good idea to clear your browser’s cache as well, as it keeps a record of everything you’ve downloaded. Learn how to remove downloaded items from your Mac and web browsers here.
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Contents
How To Delete Downloads on Your Mac
Step 1: Launch “Finder” from your computer’s dock.
Step 2: The Downloads option can be found in the Finder box’s left-hand menu. A round icon in dark grey with an arrow within should represent this.
Step 3: Simply click on the files you want to remove from your computer to select them. To remove everything from your downloads, hold shift and click the first and last download in the list. To select everything, just press the “Command” key plus “A.”
Step 4: The files can be deleted by right-clicking them and selecting “Move to trash” from the context menu. Alternatively, you may open the Finder’s grey gear icon at the top of the window and pick “Move to Trash,” or you can click “File” and then “Move to Trash” from the top menu bar.
Step 5: When you’re done deleting the files and the Trash icon appears on your dock, right-click it and choose “Empty Trash” from the menu that appears. It ought to resemble a standard white wastebasket.
Step 6: Both the Downloads folder and the trash can can be deleted at this point.
Here’s The Lowdown on Wiping Safari’s Download Log
Step 1: Launch Safari by clicking its dock icon or by holding down the Command key and the space bar on your keyboard.
Step 2: To open Safari, select it from the menu bar’s top drop-down.
Step 3: In the context menu, select “Clear History…”
Step 4: To delete some or all of your history, use the drop-down menu that appears after clicking “Clear” to make your selection. To permanently remove all activity, click the “Clear all history” button.
Step 5: Choose “Clear History” from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: All of your browsing data, including your download history, has been wiped.
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Chrome’s Download History and How to Clear It
Step 1: If you don’t see the “Chrome” icon in your dock, you can open Google Chrome by holding “Command” and “Space” on your keyboard.
Step 2: Simply select “Chrome” from the main menu.
Step 3: When prompted, choose “Clear Browsing Data” from the options list. You should see a pop-up window with “Clear browsing data” at the top of a new page.
Step 4: To access further options, select the “Advanced” tab. To delete several items, click the checkboxes next to them. A blue check mark needs to appear in the box when it has been selected. It gives you control over what information, such login credentials, remains on your device after a deletion.
Step 5: When clearing your data, you can specify a time range. Select “All Time” from the drop-down menu next to “Time Range” at the top of the pop-up window to delete all download information.
Step 6: You can erase all of your activity by selecting “Clear data” on the upper right.
