If you've ever downloaded large files from the internet, you may have noticed some temporary files with the .part extension sitting in your download folder. While these files are usually harmless, they can clutter your system or take up unnecessary space if left undeleted.
Whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac, this guide will walk you through what .part files are and how to safely delete .part files.
What is a .part file
A part file is a partially downloaded file created by web browsers or download managers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Download Manager (IDM). These files are temporary and store data as it's being downloaded.
Once the download is complete, the .part extension is typically removed or the file is automatically replaced by the final version.
However, if the download is interrupted or canceled, the .part files may remain on your laptop. These leftover files serve no purpose and can be deleted safely.
How to delete .part files on Mac
Deleting .part files completely on macOS can be done using Mac Finder or Terminal. You can choose the one you prefer:
Delete .part files on Mac via Finder
- Open Finder > Downloads folder. (Or the location where the .part files are saved)
- Right-click unwanted .part files and select Move to Trash.
- Don't forget to empty the Trash to free up disk space. (Dock > Right-click Trash > Empty Trash.)
Delete .part files on Mac via Terminal
For users comfortable with command-line tools, be careful to use Terminal commands.
- Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the command find ~/Downloads -name "*.part" -delete and press the Enter key.
(This command finds and deletes all .part files in the Downloads directory; you can replace Downloads with your desired file path.)
Be cautious when using Terminal commands, especially delete, as the action is irreversible.
Please share our methods to help more users.
How to delete .part files on Windows
Windows users can also remove .part files using File Explorer or Command Prompt.
Deleted .part files on Windows via File Explorer
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the folder where your downloads are stored (typically C:\Users\[YourName]\Downloads).
- In the search bar, type *.part and press the Enter key.
- Select the files you want to delete.
- Right-click and choose Delete, or press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove them.
Delete .part files on Windows via Command Prompt
- Press the Win + R keys and type cmd, and hit the Enter key.
- In Command Prompt, type del /s /q "%userprofile%\Downloads\*.part" and press the Enter key.
If you have other methods to delete .part files, you can share and leave your comments.
Final thoughts
The .Part files are temporary and can safely be removed if the download they were associated with is no longer in progress. Knowing how to delete .part files can help keep your system organized and free up disk space. Whether you're using macOS or Windows, the steps above make it easy to find and delete these unnecessary files.