To change your download folder in Google Chrome, open Chrome’s menu (three dots) and go to Settings > Downloads. Next to Location, select Change, pick a folder, and select Select Folder. New downloads go to that folder from now on.
Applies to: Google Chrome on Windows and Mac.
Change the default download folder
- Open Chrome and select the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings, then Downloads on the left. You can also type
chrome://settings/downloadsin the address bar. - Next to Location, select Change.
- Choose the folder you want, or create a new one, and select Select Folder.
Files you’ve already downloaded stay where they are. Move them yourself in File Explorer if you want them in the new folder.
Choose a folder for each download
On the same Downloads page, turn on Ask where to save each file before downloading. Chrome then opens a Save As window every time, so you can pick a different folder or rename the file.
This is useful if you sort downloads by project, but it adds a step to every download. Turn it off again to go back to saving straight to the default folder.
Save one file somewhere else
You don’t have to change the setting to save a single file in a different place. Right-click the download link and select Save link as, then choose the folder. For images, right-click the image and select Save image as.
Other download settings worth knowing
- Show downloads when they’re done: On the same Downloads page, this controls whether the download bubble pops up next to the address bar after each download.
- Clear the downloads list: Go to
chrome://downloadsand select Clear all. This only clears the list. The files stay in your folder. - Delete a downloaded file: In the downloads list, select Show in folder, then delete the file in File Explorer. Removing an item from the list doesn’t delete the file.
Change the download folder on Android
- Open Chrome and tap the three dots > Settings > Downloads.
- Turn on Ask where to download files.
- When you download something, choose Internal storage or your SD card, if your phone has one.
Chrome on iPhone and iPad doesn’t have this setting. Downloads go to the Files app, and you choose where to save them from there.
Good places to save downloads
- A folder on a second drive, if your C: drive is low on space.
- A OneDrive or other cloud folder, if you want downloads on all your devices. Large files then use your cloud storage.
- The Windows Downloads folder, which is the default. You can move this folder itself to another drive: right-click Downloads in File Explorer, select Properties > Location > Move. Chrome follows it automatically.
The Windows side of this is covered in changing the download location in Windows 11.
If it doesn’t work
- The Location setting is greyed out: Your organization manages Chrome and has set the download folder. Ask your IT department.
- Downloads say “Failed – Insufficient permissions” or “Failed – No file”: Chrome can’t write to the folder. Pick a folder inside your user folder, or check that the drive is connected.
- Chrome went back to the old folder: The chosen folder was on a USB or network drive that was disconnected. Choose a folder on an internal drive.
- You use more than one Chrome profile: Each profile has its own download folder. Change it in each profile you use.
Frequently asked questions
Where are my Chrome downloads now?
Press Ctrl + J on Windows or Cmd + Shift + J on a Mac to open the downloads list, then select Show in folder under a file.
Does this change the download folder for other browsers?
No. Each browser has its own setting. Microsoft Edge has the same option under Settings > Downloads.
Can I send different file types to different folders?
Not with Chrome’s own settings. Turn on Ask where to save each file before downloading and choose the folder each time, or sort the Downloads folder afterward.
Can Chrome open files automatically after downloading?
Yes, for some file types. In the downloads list, select the three dots next to a file and choose Always open files of this type. Only do this for file types you trust.
Related: how to update Chrome on Windows 10 and how to clear cookies in Chrome on Windows 11.
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.