Why is my Downloads Folder so big?

B3234 wrote:

My Downloads Folder (found in Finder) is showing almost 50 GB but if I add-up the total of all files in the folder, it is a fraction of that 50GB size. Why is this?

Try something like OmniDiskSweeper for a GUI to get a good look at itemized file size and location:

OmniDiskSweeper http://www.omnigroup.com/more

I have used OmniDiskSweeper for many years, and I know many others that use it. Not sure how to convince you that it is safe but it comes from a reliable company that you can look up. It's up to you.

Back in your Finder interface for your Mac, how many files are there in your Downloads folder? Empty the trash, in case some files are there. Try viewing that Downloads folder in list view, then sort that list by size. This makes it easier to add up the sizes, and usually only a small number of the largest files take up most of the space. Are you still seeing much less than 50 GB? If so, reboot your Mac, make sure the Trash is empty, then look again. Still a discrepancy?

B3234 wrote:

leroydouglas,

Thank you for the reply. Have you tried this software for this very purpose? I am not familiar with this company or its software. For computer security reasons, I am shy about downloading software from a website that is not listed in the APP Store. If you have experience with it, please do elaborate. thank you again for the reply

Yes I have. Often recommended here, never heard of a single issue in over a decade...

Going straight to a Developers website is where I try to go. In all honesty I avoid the App Store if I can. Listing there really is no guarantee of anything other than the fact they jumped the hoops and pay the fees.

If you are comfortable with using the Terminal.app you can use the command line—

General Volume size, you can see, copy & paste:

diskutil list internal

For itemized details:

File size— list the items in the home folder with the sizes, including invisible items, copy & paste:

sudo du -h -d 1 ~/

File size—will list the items in root with the sizes, including invisible items, copy & paste:

sudo du -h -d 1 /