How to Delete Downloads on Mac Featured Image

How to Delete Downloads on Mac: 2 Easy Methods

Quickly clear downloads on Mac for more storage space.

Written by

Reviewed by

Last updated: February 7, 2025

Expert verified

SVG Image

TL;DR

To delete downloads on Mac:

  1. Open Finder and go to Downloads.
  2. Select files and press Command ⌘ + Delete or drag them to the Bin.
  3. Right-click the Bin and choose Empty Bin to permanently delete.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

You might not pay much attention to the Downloads folder, but over time, those files can take a lot of space. By regularly clearing them out, you can keep your computer running smoothly and avoid unnecessary slowdowns.

Before We Begin

To free up storage on your Mac, you should delete downloads on Mac using MacKeeper. With its Smart Uninstaller feature, MacKeeper can identify your system’s unnecessary apps, plugins, and leftover files and remove them in one click. This feature can help you recover a significant amount of disk space quickly.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Downloads on Your Mac With MacKeeper

If you want to delete unnecessary files in your Mac’s Downloads folder, use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup. Here are the steps to remove unused and junk files from your Mac using the Safe Cleanup:

  1. Open MacKeeper and click Safe Cleanup under the Cleaning section.
MockKeeper interface showing Safe Cleanup option for Mac security and performance optimization.
MockKeeper interface showing Safe Cleanup option for Mac security and performance optimization.
  1. Click Start Scan.
Mackeeper Safe Cleanup screen to clean junk files on Mac.
Mackeeper Safe Cleanup screen to clean junk files on Mac.
  1. MacKeeper will scan your Mac for unused and junk files. Select the files you want to remove or click Check All.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup interface showing cleaning options for junk files.
MacKeeper Safe Cleanup interface showing cleaning options for junk files.
  1. Tap Clean Junk Files.
Safe Cleanup feature displaying 291 MB of junk files on Mac with a clean junk files button.
Safe Cleanup feature displaying 291 MB of junk files on Mac with a clean junk files button.
  1. This will remove the selected files from your Mac, and you’ll get a Cleaning Completed message on your screen. Click Rescan if you want to run the scan again.
MacKeeper cleaning completed, 280.3 MB of junk files removed.
MacKeeper cleaning completed, 280.3 MB of junk files removed.

How to Delete Downloads on Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Here, I’ll share the two best methods to delete downloads on Mac:

Did You Know? Regularly clearing your Downloads folder can free up gigabytes of storage space. For example, many users accumulate unnecessary installation files, documents, and media that can take up a surprising amount of space over time.

1. Using Finder

  1. Open Finder by clicking its icon in the Dock.
click finder in your dock
  1. Click the Downloads folder in the left sidebar of Finder under the Favourites section.
click downloads in the left sidebar of finder
  1. Select the files or folders you want to delete. You can select multiple items by holding down the Command ⌘ key and clicking each item.
macbook pro command key
  1. Move the items to the Bin by pressing Command ⌘ + Delete on your keyboard or dragging the selected items to the Bin icon in the Dock. You can also right-click the selected files and select Move to Bin from the context menu.
right click the files and select move to bin
  1. To permanently delete the items, empty the Bin. You can do this by right-clicking the Bin icon and selecting Empty Bin or by opening the Bin and clicking the Empty button in the upper-right corner.
right click the bin and select empty bin

Be careful when deleting downloads on your Mac, as they will be permanently deleted once you empty the Bin. If you accidentally delete an important file, try using Time Machine or a data recovery tool to restore the file.

2. Using Apple Menu

  1. Click the Apple menu and select About This Mac.
click apple icon and select about this mac
  1. Click More Info.
click more info
  1. In the new window, scroll down to the Storage section and click the Storage Settings button.
click the storage settings button
  1. Click the small i icon next to Documents.
click the small i next to documents
  1. Navigate to the Downloads tab in the new window.
  2. Select the files you want to delete from the Downloads folder and click Delete.
select the files to delete under downloads tab and click delete
  1. Click Delete on the pop-up to confirm your decision.

Quick Tip: Delete Leftover Downloads

Even after deleting downloads, hidden files remain. Use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller to easily find and remove these leftover files, freeing up space and improving your Mac’s performance.

Final Thoughts on Deleting Downloads on Mac

Deleting downloads can improve your system performance and free up space on your Mac. Now that you know how to delete downloads on Mac efficiently, you may want to consider other methods to improve your device’s speed and performance. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I delete downloads on Mac without emptying the Bin?

To delete downloads without emptying the Bin, open the Bin folder and select the files or folders you want to delete. Then, right-click and select Delete Immediately, or press Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + Delete on your keyboard.

How can I delete multiple downloads at once?

To delete multiple downloads simultaneously, open the Finder application on your Mac and click Downloads in the left sidebar. Select the files or folders you want to delete, press Command ⌘ + Delete on your keyboard, or drag the items to the Bin.

Why should I delete downloads on Mac?

You should delete downloads on Mac to free up valuable storage space and improve the overall performance of your device. Keeping your downloads folder organized and clutter-free allows you to easily find the files you need and avoid slowing down your Mac.

Can I recover deleted downloads on Mac?

Yes, you can recover deleted downloads on Mac using a data recovery tool. However, acting quickly is essential because the longer you wait, the less likely you are to recover the files. It’s also good to back up your files regularly to avoid data loss.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

Total
0
Shares
You May Also Like