Always Clear Downloads in Chrome

A Google Chrome Extension to always clear the downloads list of all completed downloads.
What is Always Clear Downloads in Chrome?
"Always Clear Downloads in Chrome" is a user-friendly Chrome extension designed to keep your download list tidy. It automatically clears the list of completed downloads every few seconds, leaving no trace while ensuring the downloaded files remain intact. It's a quick solution to Chrome's lack of such feature natively. Please note, due to Google Chrome API's existing bug, the extension resets the download folder to the default one after each download.

Extension stats

Users: 20,000+
Rating: 4.79 (184)
Version: 2.0 (Last updated: 2019-11-12)
Creation date: 2019-11-12
Risk impact: Low risk impact
Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • browsingData
  • downloads
  • downloads.shelf
  • storage
  • contextMenus
Size: 392.19K

Other platforms

Not available on Firefox
Not available on Edge
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Extension summary

An updated version of the popular extension - now compatible with new Chrome versions!

This Google Chrome extension makes up for the fact that Chrome does not have an option to keep its download list clear at all times. You can clear the downloads list yourself by hand, but Chrome currently doesn't have an option to automatically clear it for you. This extension does it for you automatically.

This extension works in a very simple way: Every few seconds, the downloads list is cleared out for you. Don't worry, the files you downloaded are still there, and in-progress downloads are not harmed. Chrome's internal list simply gets cleaned up for you every five seconds.

==== Please note! ====

There is an unfixed bug in the Google Chrome API which causes this extension to always reset the downloads folder to the default folder. This is a bug in the Chrome API, not a bug in the "Always Clear Downloads in Chrome" extension.

For instance, if you configure Chrome's default download folder to "c:\downloads" in Chrome's Advanced Settings, then this extension will keep resetting the folder to be that. If you download a file to a different target location using "Save link as...", and pick a different location such as "c:\other\folder" then instead of that new location being the new default, this extension will cause downloads to go back to "c:\downloads" on the next download.

This might not be expected, but it's how the Chrome API works. You might get around this by simply disabling the download shelf instead - instead of clearing the downloads every few seconds. Or increase the clearing interval to an hour, in case you have to download a lot of files to a specific folder.

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User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Effectively clears download history instantly
  • Customizable settings for clearing downloads
  • Enhances user productivity by keeping downloads organized
  • User-friendly interface
  • Time-sensitive options for clearing downloads
Cons
  • Stopped working for some users after browser updates
  • Requires manual configuration to hide the download bar
  • Does not show download progress
  • Some users experience issues with compatibility on certain browsers
Most mentioned
  • Fast and effective download clearing
  • Download bar can be annoying
  • User-friendly setup
  • Customization options available
  • Productivity boost from a clean download folder
Recent reviews

Stopped working for Opera GX sadly, a download popup still appears on the top right
by Pamlau Rence, 2024-04-17

by RU OK, 2024-04-15
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

Always Clear Downloads in Chrome requires very minimum permissions.

Risk likelihood

Always Clear Downloads in Chrome has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

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