Msdownld.tmp: What is this folder and how can I remove it?

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

Updated: March 25 2021

Posted at: July 6 2020

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Are you wondering why do you see msdownld.tmp in one of your drive or multiple drives? Don’t worry, this hidden folder is not harmful to your PC.

The msdownld.tmp folder is a temporary folder used by the Internet Explorer installer. The setup process does not remove it after Internet Explorer has been installed due to Microsoft glitches.

However, the content of the msdownld.tmp is empty meaning that it is harmless.

We have compiled 5 methods that can be used to remove msdownld.tmp from your Windows 10 PC.

How can I delete the msdownld.tmp folder?

1. Use Ashampoo WinOptimizer
2. Update Internet Explorer
3. Delete msdownld.tmp folder
4. Run SFC Scan
5. Run Disk Cleanup

1. Use Ashampoo WinOptimizer

Since the IE installer does not remove the msdownld.tmp empty folder once it’s done its job, it will be your job to do it.

If you’re looking for a professional tool to help you with this task, have a go at this premium optimizer software.

From removing junk data, corrupted temp files, and broken shortcuts to fixing useless Registry entries and disabling unnecessary services, the WinOptimizer is your very own resource booster!

Free up vital hard drive space, get more memory, enjoy faster startup times, and a smoother overall Windows experience effortlessly.

Let’s quickly look at its key features:

• Comprehensive dashboard with valuable details on status updates on your Temp Files, Registry, services, or privacy, all neatly arranged
• New SSD-ready Defrag tool to automate drive analysis and defragmentation
• Reclaim precious disk space by eliminating redundant temp and log files and superfluous Registry entries
• Instant notifications on resource hogs and up-to-date data
• Rids your system of junk data and reduce clutter
• Live Tuner to provide a smart launch boost to all applications

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There is no hiding from this one-of-a-kind system optimization software. Remove msdownld.tmp hidden folder and all superfluous temp files with Ashampoo!

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2. Update Internet Explorer

The msdownld.tmp problem occurs because of the installation of Internet Explorer 6; however, this is an older IE version.

Consider updating your Internet Explorer web browser using Microsoft update which you can download here.

Also, you may completely uninstall Internet Explorer 6 using IObit Uninstaller here and then install a fresh copy of the Internet Explorer web browser.

3. Delete the msdownld.tmp folder

The msdownld.tmp folder cannot be easily viewed on your Windows PC because it belongs to the category of hidden files.

In order to delete the folder, you need to enable hidden files to be viewable and delete msdownld.tmp folder afterward. Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to Start > Computer
2. For Windows 10, click View and then check Hidden items (for previous versions, click Organize in the upper-left region and select Folders and Search Options).
3. Click on the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders and drives and then uncheck Hide file extensions for known file types.
4. Click Apply and then select OK.
5. Now, type msdownld.tmp in the search bar (located on the top right corner)
6. Right-click on the tmp folder and select Delete. Follow the prompts to delete the msdownld.tmp folders.

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4. Run System File Check Scan

Another way to remove the msdownld.tmp temporary folder is by running a system file check. SFC can be used to scan, check, and remove temporary files.

To run a SFC scan on your Windows PC, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start menu and type cmd. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and click on Run as Administrator. Click yes to accept the UAC prompt.
2. Also, in the cmd prompt, type SFC and hit the Enter key.
3. Now, type /scannow and hit the Enter key.
4. Finally, restart your Windows PC and try launching the application again.

5. Run Disk Cleanup

In addition, you can also run disk cleanup on your Windows PC to fix the temporary folder problem. Disk Cleanup is a Windows utility program that reduces the number of unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space.

It also removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes unwanted system files. Here’s how to run Disk Cleanup:

1. Go to Start > Type Disk Cleanup and hit Enter.
2. Wait for Disk cleanup to scan your drive(s).
3. After the scanning, check the Temporary files box, and then click on OK to delete.
4. Select delete files to proceed.

There you go, these are the fixes that can be used to delete the msdownld.tmp folder on your Windows PC. Do share your troubleshooting experience with us via the comments section below.