How to Specify Where Files Are Downloaded
By default, Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge download files to the Downloads folder located at %USERPROFILE%\Downloads. USERPROFILE is a variable that refers to the logged in user's profile directory on the Windows computer, e.g. the path might look like C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads. However, you can change the download folder location in your favorite browser or change the location of the Downloads folder in Windows.
Covered here:
- How to change the location of the Downloads folder in Windows 10
- How to specify where files are downloaded in Google Chrome
- How to specify where files are downloaded in Mozilla Firefox
- How to specify where files are downloaded in Microsoft Edge
How to change the location of the Downloads folder in Windows 10
To change the location of the Downloads folder in Windows:
1. Right-click on the Start button, then select File Explorer.
2. Right-click the Downloads location at the left pane, then select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Location tab, click on the Move button, then select the folder into which the files will be downloaded and click Select Folder.
4. Click on OK to apply changes.
Attention! Changing the location of the Downloads folder in Windows will affect all programs.
How to specify where files are downloaded in Google Chrome
In Chrome, you can change the download folder's location or make Chrome ask you every time where you would like to download a file.
How to change the default download folder's location
To select a different download folder location:
1. Click on the Chrome menu button (three horizontal bars) at the top right, then select Settings.
2. Click on the Advanced link at the bottom of the Settings page
3. In the Downloads section, click on the Change button, then select the folder where the files will be downloaded and click on OK.
You can now see the path to the selected folder below the Location.
How to make Chrome ask you where to download a file every time
If you want Chrome to ask you about the download folder's location each time you download a file, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Chrome menu button (three horizontal bars) at the top right, then select Settings.
2. Click on the Advanced link at the bottom of the Settings page
3. In the Downloads section, turn on the Ask where to save each file before downloading toggle.
How to find previously downloaded files in Chrome
Once a file has been downloaded, you will be able to see it at the bottom of the browser window. If you want to open a file that you have previously downloaded, press Ctrl + J or type chrome://downloads in the Chrome address line. The Downloads list is displayed.
The files are grouped by download date. Click on the file's name to open it. You can also navigate directly to the folder containing the file. Simply click on the Show in folder link below the file's name.
How to specify where files are downloaded in Mozilla Firefox
In Firefox, you can change the download folder's location or make Firefox ask you each time where you'd like to download a file.
How to change the default download folder's location
To select a different download folder location:
1. Click on the Firefox menu button (three horizontal bars) at the top right, then select Options.
2. Go to General, then to Downloads, click the Browse button, then select the folder where you would like the files to be downloaded and click on Select Folder.
3. You can now see the path to the selected folder in the Save files box.
How to make Firefox to ask you where to download a file each time you download
If you want Firefox ask you about the download folder's location each time you download a file, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Firefox menu button (three horizontal bars) at the top right, then select Options.
2. Under General section's Downloads subsection, select Always ask you where to save files.
How to find downloaded files in Firefox
Once you’ve clicked on the Download button, Firefox asks what it should do with the file – open or download it. Select Save to download the file.
If you’ve chosen to use the default download location, the file will be saved in the selected folder. If you’ve chosen to select a download location each time, you will be able to select the desired folder.
You can reach all of the files that have been downloaded during the current browser session by clicking on the arrow icon at the top. You can also browse directly to the folder containing the downloaded file. Simply click on the folder icon next to the file's name.
If you want to open a file that you have downloaded earlier, press Ctrl + J. The Downloads tab of the Library pop-up list is displayed. The files are grouped by download date. Click on a file's name to open it or click on the folder icon to browse to the folder containing the file.
How to specify where files are downloaded in Microsoft Edge
In Edge, you can change the download folder's location or make Edge ask you every time where to download a file.
How to change the default download folder's location in Edge
To select a different download folder location:
1. Click on the Edge menu button (three horizontal dots) at the top right, select Settings, and then click on View Advanced Settings.
2. Under Downloads, click on the Change button, then select the folder to which the files will be downloaded and click on Select Folder.
You can now see the path to the selected folder below Save download files to.
How to make Edge ask you where to download a file every time
If you want Edge to ask you about the download folder location every time you download a file, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Edge menu button (three horizontal dots) at the top right, select Settings, and then click on View Advanced Settings.
2. Under Downloads, turn on the Ask me what to do with each download toggle.
How to find downloaded files in Edge
Once a file has been downloaded, you will see a notification at the bottom of the browser window. You can open the file or the folder containing it.
If you want to open a file that you have downloaded earlier, press Ctrl + J or click on the Hub button (three horizontal bars) at the top right. The Downloads list will be displayed.
Files are grouped by downloaded date. Click on a file's name to open it. You can also quickly open the Downloads folder. Just click on the Open folder link above the file list.