How to Manually Delete a Large File from Your Downloads Folder or Temporary Folder

Have you ever tried to download a file only to be interrupted mid-way due to insufficient disk storage? This can be frustrating when you realize the file is partially saved in a large size. Don't worry, in this guide, we will walk you through the process of how to delete such a file and its location steps to free up space.

Understanding the Situation

If you encountered a situation where a 7 GB file download was interrupted and you are unable to find it again, the file is most likely stored in your downloads folder or temporary folder. Here’s how you can locate and delete it.

Default Download Location

The file will be stored by default in your downloads folder. Here are the steps to locate and delete it:

Open the “Downloads” section in your default web browser. It usually appears in the left panel or as a tab named "Downloads" or "Downloads History". Search for the file name. If you see the file in the list and notice that it is partially downloaded, you can right-click on it and select "Delete".

Alternative Download Locations

If you have set a different download location for your downloads, follow these steps:

Go to the folder where you specified your downloads to be saved. The specific location can often be found in the browser settings or the download manager settings. Look for a partially downloaded file with the same name and delete it.

Using a Download Manager

If you used a download manager for your file, here are the steps to delete the file:

Open your download manager application. Locate the file in the list of ongoing or partially completed downloads. Delete the file entry from the download queue.

Cleaning the Temporary Folder

In case the file could not be found in the downloads folder or alternative download location, you may still find fragments of the file stored in your temporary folder. Here’s how to clear it:

Windows Operating System

Press the Windows key E to open File Explorer. In the search bar, type "temp" and press Enter. Locate any files or folders in the temporary folder with the file name, and delete them.

Mac Operating System (macOS)

Press Command Space to open Spotlight Search. Type "tmp" and press Enter. Locate any files or folders in the “tmp” folder and delete them.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully delete the large partially downloaded file and free up storage space. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Remember, maintaining a clean and organized download folder is crucial for system performance.