From your description, you can probably delete the files in the Downloads directory without affecting anything. But your wording is a little ambiguous and there are a couple of caveats. For example, your question refers just to programs, but the Downloads directory is used for more than that.
So to give you a safe answer, let me start with some context. Since downloading is such a common action, the popular operating systems you don't mention which one you use , include for convenience a directory called Downloads in the installed directory structure. It's set as the default download location so users can start using the computer without needing to configure that.
You can change it if you want, but the empty directory takes up no space, so there is really no need to delete the directory, itself. The download directory receives all kinds of files--documents and media files, executables, software installation packages, etc. Those files remain there unless you move or delete them. Documents, media files, and the like can be used regardless of where you put them. The only thing to be aware of regarding moving or copying them is re-accessing a file from the history e.
If you open a file with your software while it is still in the Downloads directory and later move it somewhere else, the Recent Documents will still point to the old location and won't find it there.
Directly executable programs don't get installed, you just run them. You can do that in the download directory or move them somewhere else. To run them, you either go to the directory where they are, issue a command that includes the path to where they are, or create a shortcut of some kind that knows where the executable is located.
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1. Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Type the name of the file into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo! Try to get yourself a decent anti-virus program on your computer. Norton, AVG and Avast! Even if you just get the free version, it's worth having a defense against a multitude of threats.
Type the name of the website on a WHOIS site and it will find you lots of details that help you decide whether you can trust your download. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. If you receive an E-mail from an unknown sender with a file attached, delete it immediately. That has 'virus' written all over it. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. Virtual Machines or sandbox programs such as Sandboxie can provide a safe way to test files.
Try an add-on, such as VTzilla. It can scan files before you download them and can also scan links. Try this: Open command prompt. The type the command: ping www. If you use Kaspersky, it is a great idea scanning the file with a virus check before running it - just to be extra sure that your computer isn't at stake!
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If you downloaded something suspicious and ran it, download and install an appropriate program to find any threats on your computer. Avast, AVG, or Malwarebytes are good and free programs. Helpful 18 Not Helpful 9. If you're totally worried and don't know whether you should trust the file or not, don't. There's no point downloading something if you don't trust it.
Some software that looks and is legitimate can actually be hacked. When in doubt, always scan the file for viruses! Related wikiHows How to. How to. About This Article. Tested by:. Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style.
Read Elsie's Full Bio. We hate spam too, unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe on YouTube! Did you enjoy this tip? You can always recover deleted files in Windows. So if you do delete a junk file that you later decide you want, you can recover it. Also, because junk files are triggered by common actions such as web browsing and program installation, these necessary files will simply be recreated whenever your device needs them.
Delete temporary files. Most junk files are temporary. Target these first, with the top 3 ways to clean temporary files from your computer. Get rid of unnecessary apps. Find and delete bloatware , and get rid of unneeded apps that you never use or didn't even know you had. Perform a disk and browser scan. This is the fastest and most thorough approach to regularly removing junk files from your device.
AVG TuneUp makes removing junk files safe and easy. Then, you can get rid of it all with just a few clicks.
You can also choose your preferred cleaning frequency settings — every day, every seven days — and sit back and let AVG TuneUp do the rest. Junk files are persistent, so an automated cleanup tool works wonders to make sure your device is regularly taken care of.
Another priceless feature of AVG TuneUp is Sleep Mode, a built-in optimization tool that identifies resource-hogging applications and lets you put them to sleep until you actually need them. Junk files are unavoidable, unfortunately. But you're not doing anything wrong by getting junk files on your device in the first place. The best approach is to practice good computer hygiene. Junk files become harmful to your device only when they start accumulating. Don't let piles and piles of junk files bog you down — discover tons of extra drive space you never knew existed.
Fall back in love with your device like you did when you first took it out of the box. All it takes is a bit of tender loving care — and AVG TuneUp — and your device will be running like new. Enjoy more room for what you really need. Privacy Cookies All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. We use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites.
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