How to Open Downloads: Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox, & More

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Locate your downloads anywhere on your PC or Mac
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Downloading files is one of the primary uses of the Internet. You can find virtually anything online, and chances are you've been downloading files ever since you started using your Windows or Mac computer. Knowing how to find your downloaded files quickly can save you a lot of time and headache. Here's how to open downloads on your browser, computer, iPhone, or iPad.

Opening the Downloads Folder: Quick Steps

  • On Chrome & other browsers, click the menu icon and click Downloads . Click the folder icon next to the downloaded item to open the default folder.
  • On Windows, open File Explorer and select the Downloads folder.
  • On Mac, find the folder in the Dock or use the Finder.
  • On iPhone or iPad, open the Files app to find the Downloads folder.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Open Downloads on Windows

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  1. Windows includes a Downloads folder that acts as the default download location for most programs for every user. There are a couple of ways you may be able to find your Downloads folder: [1]
    • Click the Start menu and then click your user name. You should see a Downloads folder in the window that opens.
    • You can also press Windows key + E to open File Explorer. Your Downloads folder may be listed in the left frame under "Favorites" or "Computer/This PC". [2]
    • Press Windows key + R and type shell:downloads . Press Enter to open the Downloads folder.
  2. If you can't find your downloads in the download folder, you can check your browser to open the proper location. You can always change the default download location at any time.
    • Google Chrome : Click the three-dots icon in the top-right corner and click Downloads . Click the folder icon next to the downloaded item to open the download folder set for Chrome. Take note of the location.
    • Mozilla Firefox : Click the menu icon in the top-right corner and click Downloads . Click the folder icon next to the downloaded item to open the download folder set for Firefox. Take note of the location.
    • Microsoft Edge : Click the three-dots icon in the top-right corner and click Downloads . Click the folder icon next to the downloaded item to open the download folder set for Edge. Take note of the location.
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  3. If you download through a lot of programs, your downloads may have become a bit spread out. Other popular places for your downloads to appear are your Desktop and your Documents/My Documents folder.
  4. If you know the name of the file you downloaded, you can search for it to quickly open it. Press ⊞ Win and start typing the name of the file. You should see it appear in the search results. [3]
  5. You shouldn't have much difficulty opening most files that you download online, but you may run across a few file types that can give you problems. See the guides below for details on opening these troublesome files.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Open Downloads on Mac

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  1. Mac OS includes a Downloads folder that acts as the default download location for most programs for every user. There are a couple of ways you may be able to find your Downloads folder: [4]
    • Click your Downloads folder in your Dock.
    • Click the Go menu and select Downloads
    • Open a Finder window. Press ⌥ Opt + ⌘ Cmd + L to open the Downloads folder.
  2. If you can't find your downloads in the download folder, you can check your browser to open the proper location. You can always change the default download location at any time.
    • Google Chrome : Click the three-dots icon in the top-right corner and click Downloads . Click the folder icon next to the downloaded item to open the download folder set for Chrome. Take note of the location.
  3. Downloaded files have a tendency to get spread out across your computer over time, especially if you use a lot of different programs to download. Some other popular places for your downloads to appear include your Desktop or in your Documents folder.
    • If you have a secondary drive that acts as a file storage, check to see if you've created a download folder on it as well.
  4. If you know the name of the file you downloaded, you can search for it to quickly open it. Open a Finder window and press ⌘ Cmd + F to open the search bar. Start typing in the name of the file and select it from the search results. [5]
  5. You shouldn't have much difficulty opening most files that you download online, but you may run across a few file types that can give you problems. See the guides below for details on opening these troublesome files.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Managing Google Chrome Downloads

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  1. The menu icon is in the top-right corner. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + J (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd + J (Mac). [6]
  2. Chrome stores download history for a few weeks unless it's been cleared. Clicking any item in the list will attempt to open it (if it still exists).
  3. This will be next to each download listed. By default, this is the Downloads folder in your user directory.
  4. If you want to change your default download folder for Google Chrome, do the following:
    • Click the menu icon and select Settings .
    • Click Privacy and security .
    • Click Site Settings .
    • Click Additional permissions .
    • Click Automatic downloads .
    • Select a download option.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Managing Firefox Downloads

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  1. The menu icon is in the top-right corner. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + J (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd + J (Mac). [7]
  2. Firefox stores download history for a few weeks unless it's been cleared. Clicking any item in the list will attempt to open it (if it still exists).
  3. This will be next to each download listed. By default, this is the Downloads folder in your user directory.
  4. If you want to change your default download folder for Firefox, do the following:
    • Click the menu icon and select Settings .
    • Click General .
    • Look for Downloads underneath Files and Applications .
    • Click Browse next to Save files to .
    • Select a new save location.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Open Downloads on iOS

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  1. This is the default app that comes with your device. If you can't find it, swipe to the far right screen to open the app library, and then enter "files" in the search bar. [8]
  2. This is either at the top-left corner or at the bottom.
  3. If you have other cloud services synced to your device, such as iCloud or Google Drive, you'll see them here.
  4. You'll see your downloaded files here.
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    How do I delete a file?
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    You can right click and delete. Afterwards you should go to your Trash and empty it. This will delete it off the main layer of the hard drive.
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    Why must opening a downloaded file go through an app? Why can't it go directly?
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    It's because each downloaded file is of a particular type, which is recognized and executed by a particular application designed specifically for that type of file.
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    I downloaded records from a well known paid archival site. I cannot open the file unless I open the site they were downloaded from. How can I open these without using the site?
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    Try to export it to a different file format. Try .doc If you are on Windows or .gdoc if you are on ChromeOS.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/download-files-from-the-web-abb92c09-af3a-bd99-d279-a89848b54b0b
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-explorer-in-windows-ef370130-1cca-9dc5-e0df-2f7416fe1cb1
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-files-in-windows-5c7c8cfe-c289-fae4-f5f8-6b3fdba418d2
      4. ↑ https://macpaw.com/how-to/organize-downloads-mac
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/if-you-cant-find-a-file-on-mac-mchlp2305/mac
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95759?hl=en
      7. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/where-find-and-manage-downloaded-files-firefox
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102440

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