How to change where Microsoft Edge downloads files

When you download files on your Windows PC, Microsoft Edge saves them by default in a folder called Downloads. However, it’s easy to change the Microsoft Edge download location to another folder of your choosing. Furthermore, you can also enable an option that allows you to save files in specific locations and rename them. Read this guide to learn more about accessing your downloads, changing the default download location, and deciding how your files are saved in Microsoft Edge:

How to see your downloads in Microsoft Edge

By default, Microsoft Edge places all your downloaded files in a folder called Downloads, located inside your user folder. The exact path in File Explorer is: Replace “your username” with the name of your Windows user account, as seen below. Then, press Enter on your keyboard. The Microsoft Edge default download location However, other apps also use the Downloads folder to save files in Windows, which can make it harder to find what you’re looking for. If you only want to see your Microsoft Edge downloads, one easy method is to open the browser and use this keyboard shortcut: It opens a pop-up window with your latest Downloads in the top-right corner. Press Ctrl + J for a pop-up with your latest Edge downloads You can also access the Settings and more (...) menu and click or tap Downloads for the same result. Access Downloads from Edge's Settings and more menu Is there a specific file you just can’t find? In that case, try accessing the Downloads tab in Microsoft Edge instead. First, copy and paste the following in Edge’s address bar: Then, press the Enter key. On the left side of the Downloads tab, you can even sort your files by type. I download many files using Microsoft Edge, and this option is extremely helpful whenever I need to find something, but can’t remember the exact name. The Downloads tab in Microsoft Edge TIP: If you have problems with the Downloads user folder in Windows, here’s how to restore the default location of Downloads and other user folders in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to change the Microsoft Edge download location in Windows

If the space on your C: drive is limited, downloading many files may take up too much system disk space and slow Windows down. In that case, it’s a good idea to have Microsoft Edge save downloaded files on a different drive or partition. To begin, open Edge, click or tap the Settings and more (…) button, and access Settings from the menu. Go to Settings and more > Settings In the panel on the left, click or tap Downloads (if you can’t see the panel, maximize the window or click/tap the hamburger button on the top-left area, next to Settings). Then, on the right side, under Location, you can see the current path to Microsoft Edge’s Downloads folder. Click or tap the Change button next to this entry. Change where Microsoft Edge downloads files Next, Microsoft Edge opens the Location window. Use it to browse through your Windows PC, select the folder where you want to save files, and then click or tap Select Folder at the bottom. Choose a new downloads location and press Select Folder From now on, Microsoft Edge will save downloaded files in the new folder you selected.

Set up Edge to ask what to do for each download

Microsoft Edge saves files automatically to the default location. But not everyone wants consecutive downloads saved in the same location. And maybe you’d like the opportunity to rename your saved files beforehand. Luckily, you can configure Microsoft Edge to ask for input before downloading each file. First, access the Downloads settings by following the instructions in the previous section (Settings and more > Settings > Downloads). TIP: Alternatively, you can reach the Downloads settings by typing the following in Microsoft Edge’s address bar and pressing Enter on your keyboard: Then, turn on the switch next to “Ask where to save each file before downloading.” Ask where to save each file before downloading When this option is enabled, Edge prompts you to choose how to handle each download. Let’s get the Media Creation Tool to see how it all works. Click or tap a link or a button that triggers a download. If the browser is set to prompt you about a location before saving files, the Microsoft Edge download menu pops up in the top-right corner. Press the Save as button in this window to select a different location for your download. Choose Save as to set a specific location for your download Browse to the location where you’d like to download the file, rename it if you want, and then click or tap Save. Click or tap Save to download the file That was it. The file is saved to the location you specified.

Did you change the location of downloads in Edge? Why?

I prefer automatic downloads because they are more efficient and save me time. However, there are times when I need to save large files or want to separate downloads into separate folders. That’s when it comes in handy to modify Edge’s download location and choose another folder instead. What about you? Did you change the Microsoft Edge download location? Were you running out of space, or was there another reason? Let me know in the comments below.