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Is the Microsoft Support Files Folder Safe to Delete?

Partner Editor Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is safe to delete a folder named 'Microsoft Support - [number]_files' that unexpectedly appeared on their desktop.

Is the Microsoft Support Files Folder Safe to Delete?

Product: Windows / Web Browsers
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Cleaning up unexpected desktop folders while ensuring system security.
Observed behavior: A folder named 'Microsoft Support - 1055066891_files' appears on the desktop, usually generated from saving a web page or an email.

Before you start

Before deleting unfamiliar folders on your desktop, ensure they are not actively being used by any open applications and verify your system is protected with active antivirus software.

Solution 1Recommended

Scan and Safely Delete the Support Files Folder

Verify the folder's safety with an antivirus scan before moving it to the Recycle Bin.

Folders ending in '_files' are typically automatically generated when you save a web page (HTML document) to your desktop. They contain the images and formatting assets for that specific page. Since it was downloaded from the internet, a quick security scan is recommended.

Run an Antivirus Scan

Right-click the 'Microsoft Support' folder on your desktop and select 'Scan with Microsoft Defender' (or your preferred third-party antivirus software) to ensure it contains no malicious files.

Review the Folder Contents

Double-click to open the folder and verify it only contains web page assets like images, CSS, or HTML files saved from a website or email. If you recognize them and no longer need the saved offline page, you can proceed.

Delete the Folder

Right-click the folder and select 'Delete', or click the folder once and press the Delete key on your keyboard to move it to the Recycle Bin.

Scan and Safely Delete the Support Files Folder

Backup Precaution: If you are still unsure about the folder's origin or think you might need the files later, copy the folder to a temporary USB backup drive instead of permanently deleting it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Microsoft Support files folder appear on my desktop?

This usually happens when you save a web page (HTML) or an email from Microsoft Support to your desktop. Web browsers automatically create an accompanying folder ending in '_files' to store the page's images, scripts, and styling assets.

Will deleting this folder affect my computer's performance or Windows OS?

No. This folder is simply a localized save of a web page's assets, not a core Windows system folder. Deleting it will only break the offline formatting of that specific saved web page.

How can I permanently delete the folder without sending it to the Recycle Bin?

Select the Microsoft Support files folder on your desktop and press 'Shift + Delete' on your keyboard. Confirm the prompt to permanently remove it, but ensure you have performed an antivirus scan first.

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