Are attached files still downloaded when they are no longer referenced from a page?

[Ira Philip]

Are attached files still downloaded when a user browses to a page if those files are no longer accessed by links from the page  I am trying to decide whether I need to delete these old attachments to avoid unnecessary downloads to the a user's system. 

[Veera · Accepted solution]

@Ira Philip 

Yes, the users will be able to access attachments by clicking on the attachment icon even though they don't have a link on the page.

[Ira Philip]

Thanks.  I understand that the attachments can be accessed from the icon.  But are they pre-downloaded when the page is loaded or are they only downloaded when the attachment is explicitly accessed.

[Veera]

They are downloaded from the media store when the attachment is explicitly accessed.

[Ira Philip]

Thank you.  That is exactly what I needed to know.

[Veera]

You are welcome @Ira Philip 

If you have no further questions, please accept the answer.