Skip to main content

Windows 10 Download Folder Blues


Like most people I leave my browsers download folder to the default "Downloads" on Windows 10.

I have on occasion had an issue where I download something and then want to upload it somewhere else right away, but when I browse to my Downloads folder Windows Explorer does not show me the contents of the directory,  Instead it says "Working on it."

This time it frustrated me enough I decided to fix the problem.  It turns out the reason what it that Windows 10 optimizes folders for certain types of data.  In my case (and probably yours too) my Download folder was set to type "Pictures."  What this means to Windows aside from "be slow" I don't know.  I assume there is a thumbnail generation process, indexing and other things that are technical but would add value to a folder filled with pictures.

But I don't need to wait for that, and as an engineer, I download a ton of stuff that are not pictures.  And you probably do too -- music, games, apps, documents, pdfs....  And Windows 10 already comes with a premade optimized folder for Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos.  So why should your Downloads folder be slow to access?

There is a simple fix.



Open up Windows explorer by pressing Windows-E
Right click on you "Downloads" folder on the left and choose "Properties"
Go to the "Customize Tab" and under "Optimize Folder" chose "General Items"

.
What are the consequences for this in terms of seeing thumbnails?  Probably significant -- but I would suggest that if you want to see thumbnails put your pictures in a folder that is optimized for pictures.  Likewise I notice that there are optimizations for Documents, Music and Videos.  And Windows 10 by default provides folders for all of those sort of things.  I suspect putting things in their right place will help you with searching you media as well as other things.

So the best practice imho is to download things and then if you intend to keep them, move them into folders for that type of content, and leave your Download optimized for general content.


Comments

Jack son said…
The wrench helps the two sides of the window to open. The overhang is a little kind of window which is pivoted at the best. windows xp download iso
12:06 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Preventing accidental large deletes.

Instructions for Developers on Using the safe_delete Stored Procedure To enhance safety and auditability of delete operations within our databases, we have implemented a controlled deletion process using a stored procedure named safe_delete . This procedure relies on a temporary table ( temp_delete_table ) that lists complete records intended for deletion, not just their IDs. This approach helps prevent accidental deletions and provides a traceable audit log of delete actions. Why We Are Doing This Controlled Deletions : Centralizing delete operations through a stored procedure reduces the risk of erroneous or unauthorized deletions. Auditability : Using a temporary table to store complete records before deletion allows for an in-depth review and verification process, enhancing our ability to confirm and audit delete operations accurately. Security : Restricting direct delete permissions and channeling deletions through a specific proced...
Post a Comment
Read more
 In software engineering, accumulating code behind a release wall is akin to gathering water behind a dam. Just as a dam must be built higher and stronger to contain an increasing volume of water, the more code we delay releasing, the more resources we must allocate to prevent a catastrophic flood—major bugs or system failures—while also managing the inevitable trickles—minor issues and defects. Frequent, smaller releases act like controlled spillways, effectively managing the flow of updates and reducing the risk of overwhelming both the system and the team. The ideal of ci/cd may not be achievable for all teams, but smaller and faster is always better.
Post a Comment
Read more

So You're Looking for Work in Tech

So You're Looking for Work in Tech It's a more competitive market than it's ever been—but don't despair! There are still plenty of jobs out there for humans who can demonstrate insight, creativity, and the ability to execute. Here's a practical guide to help you prove you can do just that. 0. File for Unemployment (If Applicable) If you were recently laid off, file for unemployment right now . This won’t help your job search directly, but it will help you financially. Get that support—you earned it. 1. Buy a Domain and Invest in Yourself If you don’t own a domain, buy one today. Get a GSuite (Google Workspace) account and start using a professional email like yourname@yourdomain.com . Avoid using email services like GoDaddy, Zoho, or Office365. Google is the gold standard—invest in the best. 2. Hire Yourself Give yourself a tech project—because this is your job now. Choose a project that will add value to your life while forcing you to learn new ...
4 comments
Read more