To change where web downloads are saved in Windows 10, change the download folder in the browser you use. To relocate the Windows Downloads folder itself, use its Properties > Location tab. These are separate settings.
Windows Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved is not a universal browser-download setting. Selecting a drive under “New documents will save to” does not redirect every download.
Change the download folder in Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge and select the three-dot menu, then Settings.
- Open Downloads. You can also enter
edge://settings/downloadsin the address bar. - Next to the download location, select Change.
- Choose an existing folder, or create a dedicated folder on your preferred drive, and confirm it.
- If you prefer choosing each time, enable the option to ask where to save downloads. Its wording can vary with the Edge version.
These steps affect subsequent Edge downloads. They do not move files you have already downloaded. See Microsoft’s Edge download-folder instructions.
Change the download folder in Google Chrome
- Open Chrome’s three-dot menu and select Settings > Downloads, or enter
chrome://settings/downloadsin the address bar. - Select Change beside Location.
- Select the destination folder and confirm.
- Turn on Ask where to save each file before downloading if you want a separate choice for each download.
Chrome’s setting is independent of Edge and other apps. Existing files stay where they are. Google’s download help also explains the default folder and how to find downloaded files.
Move the Windows Downloads folder to another drive
Use this method when you want the Windows known Downloads folder to live elsewhere. Back up important files before moving them. Choose a dedicated destination folder, such as D:\Downloads, rather than the root of a drive or a folder already used for Documents or Pictures.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Under This PC, right-click the actual Downloads folder and choose Properties.
- Open the Location tab. If it is missing, make sure you selected the Windows Downloads folder, not an ordinary folder with a similar name.
- Select Move, choose your dedicated destination, and select Select Folder.
- Select Apply. Review the old and new paths carefully.
- If Windows asks whether to move existing files, choose Yes to move them with the folder, or No to leave the existing files in the old location. Let an active move finish before disconnecting a drive.
Apps that use the Windows known Downloads folder may follow the new location. A browser or app with its own explicit saved path can continue using that path, so check its settings and test it separately.
Verify the change and solve common problems
- Test a small download. Use the browser’s downloads list and “Show in folder” to confirm the actual destination.
- Check drive availability. An external drive must be connected and accessible. A disconnected drive, changed drive letter, full disk, or missing write permission can prevent a download.
- Check each application. Email attachments, game launchers, and other apps may have separate locations. There is no single setting that overrides all of them.
- Respect managed settings. If a work or school device locks the location, contact its administrator instead of changing policy or registry entries.
- Do not delete the old folder until you have checked its contents. Changing a browser setting alone never transfers your existing downloads.
Frequently asked questions
How do I restore the Windows Downloads folder?
Open its Properties > Location tab, select Restore Default, and review the destination before applying. Read any prompt about moving existing files. Also reset a browser’s custom location separately if necessary.
Does this free space on C: immediately?
Changing the location for future downloads does not free space occupied by old files. Moving existing files to a different drive can free space on the original drive after the move completes.
Can I use different folders for different file types?
The browser’s standard default setting selects one folder. To organize files individually, enable the prompt for each download or move the files afterward. Windows’ new-content drive preferences are not a file-type routing system for every browser download.
Will it make downloads faster?
It does not increase your internet connection speed. Destination-drive speed, available space, and connectivity can still affect saving files.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.