Discover all about the download folder, what it is and how it works. The Downloads folder is the location on your computer or mobile device where files, installers, and other content downloaded from the Internet are placed. You can store content temporarily or permanently, depending on your preferences.
Find your downloads whether you use Android, Windows, iOS or macOS
This guide covers everything Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS users need to know about it, including how to find it and how to change where your downloads are stored.
Where do I find my downloads folder
The Downloads folder is a key component of any operating system, so it should be easy to locate on any device. The instructions below show how to locate it on a variety of operating systems.
WHERE TO FIND THE DOWNLOADS FOLDER ON A MAC
To find downloads in macOS, open Finder by selecting the finder icon in the Dock. In the column on the left side of the Finder window, select Downloads.
You should see a list of all downloaded files on your device.
Mac computers also usually have a Downloads shortcut in the Dock. Select it to reveal recently downloaded files.
WHERE TO FIND THE DOWNLOADS FOLDER ON A PC
To open your Downloads folder on a Windows 10 device, click the icon File Browser on your taskbar, then select the folder downloads On the left side.
The process is similar for Windows 8 and 7. With Windows 8, you need to open the File Browser select your user folder and then select downloads .
With Windows 7, select the button Start then select your Username (usually at the top of the right-hand column of the Start menu), then select downloads .
WHERE TO FIND THE DOWNLOAD FOLDER ON ANDROID
Android users can access downloads through the app Records . You can find it in your device’s app drawer if it’s not already on the home screen. Here’s how to navigate to the Downloads folder through the Files app:
Swipe up from the bottom of your device’s home screen to access the app drawer
Select Records (either My files on Samsung devices). With certain phones, this step may require selecting a subfolder first. For example, Samsung users usually have to select the folder Samsung and then select My files .
Select the menu icon at the top left of the screen, then select downloads .
when selecting Downloads, The files you have downloaded from the Internet appear. However, with certain apps (such as Google Play TV & Movies and WhatsApp), the files and content you download are saved directly to them, rather than the Downloads folder.
As a result, you must open them and, in most cases, open their menus or settings to access the downloaded content.
Where to find the downloads folder in iOS
iPhone and iPad users can find their downloads in iCloud Drive on their device. Touch the icon that looks like a folder, then touch downloads .
How can I find downloads using shortcuts
With macOS and Windows 10, it’s possible to open your Downloads folder quickly and easily using a keyboard shortcut.
MacOS, users can press Command + Alt + L on the desktop to access the folder. Pressing this combination in a browser like Chrome opens the browser’s download screen. Windows users can type “Downloads” in the search bar to find the folder.
It’s also possible to pin the Downloads folder to the macOS dock if it’s not already pinned. Just open a Finder window and right-click on downloads then select Add to Dock .
Similarly, Windows 10 users can add their Downloads folder to the Start menu:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the menu Setting .
- Select Personalization and then choose the folders that appear on Start .
- Slide the toggle switch downloads to the position of Switched on .
How can I change the download location
For those who have a vendetta against the Downloads folder, or simply want certain downloads to go elsewhere, it’s possible to change your browser settings so that files are sent to a different location on your Mac or PC.
On a Mac device, touch Command +, (comma) to open the screen preferences / Setting of your browser. From there, your next steps depend on your chosen browser. Here’s an example specific to Chrome:
- Press Command +, (eat).
- Scroll down and select Advanced .
- Scroll down to the subtitle downloads. Beside Location select Change.
- Select the folder you want the downloads to be sent to in the window that appears, such as documents either Desk then choose Select.
For Windows, there is no specific shortcut that automatically opens your browser settings. Instead, you have to open them from the browser itself. As an example, this is what you should do with Firefox:
- Opens firefox then open the menu using the hamburger icon in the top right corner.
- Select Options .
- Scroll down to the subtitle downloads. next to the option save files to select Review .
- Choose the folder you want your downloads sent to, then choose select folder .
- Select To accept .
All major browsers give you the option to change where files are saved. With Firefox, you can find the option Always asking me where to save files directly below the settings save files to . Google Chrome has the same option in its settings menu. Moving the toggle switch to the off position Switched on you will be asked where to send your downloads from then on.
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