Why Does Windows Download Folder Take Forever To Load – How To Fix

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In Windows, by default, all files downloaded from external sources goes to the “Download” directory unless specified otherwise. Downloads folder is probably one of the most visited folders among Windows users. As the folder build up and accumulate files over time the speed in which accessing this directory also degrades. If you are experiencing slow access to Downloads folder, you aren’t alone. This guide will show you how to speed up access speed or loading speed to Downloads directory.

If your Downloads folder takes forever to load, as in anywhere over few seconds, it’s a sign that your Downloads folder are trying to optimize for the content inside but not doing it effectively.

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Right click the Downloads folder (or any folder in that matter) go to Properties

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Under the Customize tab, find the section on “What kind of folder do you want? Optimize this folder for:”

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Instead of any previous settings, it was under, choose the drop-down and select “General items“. Click Apply for the changes to take effect.

Try to load the folder again after the change, you should experience a drastic speed improvement. However, if this change does not seems to make any difference, chances are your download folder is indeed full of junks. In Windows 10, there is a new feature allows the PC to automatically clean any files under Downloads directory that are older than 30 days. Give both methods a try and see if those tricks make a difference.

1 COMMENT

  1. Many thanks !!!
    I’m looking for a similar tip but concerning the Devices and printers. It takes so long time, even on new PC’s…

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