PDF download Download Article
Get files to download to the folders you want
PDF download Download Article

On both PC and Mac, files are downloaded to the Downloads folder by default. However, you may want to change the default location to a different drive to save storage space, keep your files organized, or access files on multiple devices. You can change the default download location on Windows, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, and even Mac Mail easily. Read on to learn how to change where downloads go on your computer.

Changing the Default Download Location: Quick Steps

  • Chrome: Click ⋮ and go to Settings > Downloads > Change . Select a new location.
  • Safari: Click the Safari menu and go to Settings , > General . Click the drop-down menu , select Other , and choose a location.
  • Edge: Go to > Downloads > > Download settings > Change and select a location.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Using File Explorer on Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can change the default download location for all your Windows programs here.
    • You can also open File Explorer by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting File Explorer .
  2. You can find the Downloads folder in the Quick Access menu in the menu bar on the left.
    Advertisement
  3. The Location tab is at the top of the Properties menu.
  4. It's the middle button below the bar that contains the path to the Downloads folder.
  5. Click the folder to select it, and then click Select Folder in the bottom-right corner.
  6. This sets the folder as the default location for all your downloaded files.
    • If prompted, click Yes to confirm the new location.
  7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Using Google Chrome

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the button with three dots in the upper-right corner. You can change the download location for Chrome in the Settings menu.
  2. It's near the bottom of the menu. This opens the Settings menu in a new tab.
  3. It's near the bottom of the menu on the left side.
  4. It's next to the bar that says "Location."
  5. Click the folder to select it, then click Select Folder in the bottom-right corner. This changes the default download location for the files you download in Chrome.
    • Alternatively, click the toggle switch next to "Ask where to save each file before downloading." This will prompt you to select a location and a file name every time you download a file using Google Chrome. [1]
  6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Using Safari on Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll see the Safari menu at the top of the screen when Safari is open.
  2. It's the tab with an icon resembling a gear at the top of the Settings menu.
  3. This allows you to select a different location for the files you download using Safari.
    • Alternatively, you can click Ask for each download." This will prompt you to select a download location each time you download a file using Safari.
  4. Click the folder to select it, then click Select in the lower-right corner. This changes the default download location for the files you download using Safari. [2]
  5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using Edge

PDF download Download Article
  1. This displays your downloads list at the top of the page.
  2. This icon is the three dots in the upper-right corner of the Downloads window. This displays a separate menu for your downloads.
  3. It's next to an icon that resembles a gear in the Downloads menu.
  4. Navigate to the folder to which you want to save your files. Click the folder to select it, then click Select Folder in the bottom-right corner. This changes the default Download location for the files you download using Microsoft Edge. [3]
    • Alternatively, click the toggle switch next to "Ask me what to do with each download." This will prompt you to select a download location and give the file a file name each time you download a file with Microsoft Edge.
  5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Using Firefox

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's near the bottom of the menu.
  2. It's in the "Files and Applications" section below the "Downloads" header.
  3. Navigate to the folder to which you want to save your files. Click the folder to select it, then click Select Folder in the bottom-right corner. This changes the default download location for the files you download using Firefox .
    • Alternatively, you can click the checkbox next to "Always ask you where to save files." This will prompt you to select where you want to download a file and give it a file name every time you want to download a file.
  4. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Using Mail on Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. The Mail menu appears in the menu bar when the Mail app is open.
  2. It's the tab with an icon resembling a gear at the top of the Settings menu.
  3. This displays a menu.
  4. This allows you to select a different folder for the files and attachments you download using Mail.
  5. Navigate to the folder to which you want to download your files. Click the folder to select it and then click Select in the lower-right corner. This changes the default download location for the files you download using Mail. [4]
  6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 284 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement