General Move or Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder in Windows 11


Downloads_folder_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to move or restore the default location of the Downloads folder for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

The Downloads folder (shell:Downloads) is a component of the user profile that is used as a unified location for storing personal data. By default, the Downloads folder is a shell folder in the user's profile (%UserProfile%) that is used as a default storage location for saved downloads.

If you like, you can move the Downloads folder and its content to a location you want it at instead.

If the current Downloads folder path is incorrect or is no longer available, you can use the Restore Default option to restore the default path.

If set the default downloads folder location in a web browser (ex: Chrome or Edge) to your Downloads folder, you should also change the Downloads folder path in the web browser to the new path it was moved to.



Contents

  • Option One: Move Location of Downloads Folder in Properties
  • Option Two: Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder in Properties
  • Option Three: Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder using BAT file




Option One

Move Location of Downloads Folder in Properties


1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).

2 Navigate to the location (ex: "D") you want to move your Downloads folder to, and create a new folder named Downloads at this location. (see screenshot below)

Move_Downloads_folder-1.png

3 Right click on the Downloads folder in the navigation pane of File Explorer, and click/tap on Properties. (see screenshot below)

If you don't see the Downloads folder in the navigation pane, then type shell:Downloads into the address bar of File Explorer, and press Enter to open the Downloads folder no matter where it may be located.

You can then right click or press and hold on an empty area in the opened Downloads folder, and click/tap on Properties.


Move_Downloads_folder-2.png

4 Click/tap on the Location tab, and click/tap on the Move button. (see screenshot below)

Move_Downloads_folder-3.png

5 Navigate to and select the new Downloads folder from step 2, and click/tap on Select Folder. (see screenshot below)

Move_Downloads_folder-4.png

6 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Move_Downloads_folder-5.png

7 Click/tap on Yes to move all the files from the old location to the new location. (see screenshot below)

Move_Downloads_folder-6.png




Option Two

Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder in Properties


1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).

2 Right click on the Downloads folder in the navigation pane of File Explorer, and click/tap on Properties. (see screenshot below)

If you don't see the Downloads folder in the navigation pane, then type shell:Downloads into the address bar of File Explorer, and press Enter to open the Downloads folder no matter where it may be located.

You can then right click or press and hold on an empty area in the opened Downloads folder, and click/tap on Properties.


Move_Downloads_folder-2.png

3 Click/tap on the Location tab, and click/tap on the Restore Default button. (see screenshot below)

Restore_Downloads_folder-2.png

4 Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

Restore_Downloads_folder-3.png

5 If prompted to create a Downloads folder at the default location, click/tap on Yes. (see screenshot below)

Restore_Downloads_folder-4.png

6 Click/tap on Yes to move all the files from the old location to the default location. (see screenshot below)

Restore_Downloads_folder-5.png




Option Three

Restore Default Location of Downloads Folder using BAT file


This option can be very useful if Option Two is not available or didn't work.

This option will not move the contents of the Downloads folder from the old location to the default location. You will need to manually move the contents after restoring the default location if wanted.


1 Click/tap on the download button below to download the Restore_default_location_of_Downloads_folder.zip file.


(Contents of BAT file for reference)
Code: 
@echo off

taskkill /f /im explorer.exe

timeout /t 2 /nobreak >nul

if not exist "%UserProfile%\Downloads" mkdir "%UserProfile%\Downloads"

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders" /v "{374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}" /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Downloads" /f

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" /v "{374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}" /t REG_EXPAND_SZ /d %%USERPROFILE%%"\Downloads" /f

reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" /v "{7D83EE9B-2244-4E70-B1F5-5393042AF1E4}" /t REG_EXPAND_SZ /d %%USERPROFILE%%"\Downloads" /f

attrib +r -s -h "%USERPROFILE%\Downloads" /S /D

timeout /t 1 /nobreak >nul

start explorer.exe

2 Save the ZIP file to your desktop.

3 Unblock the ZIP file.

4 Extract the BAT file from the ZIP file.

5 Run the BAT file.

6 You will now see a command prompt open and close to kill the explorer process, run the commands to restore the default location and attributes of the Downloads folder, and restart the explorer process.

7 You can now delete the BAT file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 

Attachments

Last edited:
Click to expand...
Hi Shawn,

In moving the Downloads folder from C:\Users\Dat\Downloads to D:, I accidentally deleted it. How do I recreate it? Thanks much for your assistance.

Dat
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY - December 2022
    CPU
    Intel i7-13700k
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime Z790-A WIFI
    Memory
    64 GB (32GBx2) Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600 MHz C40
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Founders Edition 8GB
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27” LG UP850
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160, 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SAMSUNG 980PRO PCIe 4.0 NVME M.2 SSD (for OS)
    2 TB SAMSUNG 980PRO PCIe 4.0 NVME M.2 SSD
    1 TB SAMSUNG SATA SSD
    2 TB WESTERN DIGITAL SATA HDD
    8 TB WESTERN DIGITAL EXTERNAL USB HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM850X
    Case
    Corsair 4000D
    Cooling
    NOCTUA NH-U12A
    Keyboard
    USB Wired HP
    Mouse
    USB Wired HP
    Internet Speed
    Download 52.5 Mbps, upload 10.5 Mbps (typical daytime)
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows 11 Defender/Antivirus
    Other Info
    The PC is mainly used for photo editing.
Dat said:
Hi Shawn,

In moving the Downloads folder from C:\Users\Dat\Downloads to D:, I accidentally deleted it. How do I recreate it? Thanks much for your assistance.

Dat
Click to expand...

Hello Dat, and welcome. :alien:

It depends on how the folder was deleted.

First, check the Recycle Bin to see if it may be there to restore from.

If not, then option two should restore the folder, but the contents may be lost.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I had also emptied the trash bin, everything has been gone. I’m afraid not to have Option 2 because the folder is not in D drive. Anyhow, it’s not that important, I created a Downloads folder in D drive and changed the setting in Edge to direct all downloads to the folder.

Elevenforum is great, it offers a lot of tips and technical assistance and I read it everyday. Keep up the good work.

Best regards,
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    DIY - December 2022
    CPU
    Intel i7-13700k
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime Z790-A WIFI
    Memory
    64 GB (32GBx2) Corsair Vengeance DDR5 5600 MHz C40
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Founders Edition 8GB
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27” LG UP850
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160, 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SAMSUNG 980PRO PCIe 4.0 NVME M.2 SSD (for OS)
    2 TB SAMSUNG 980PRO PCIe 4.0 NVME M.2 SSD
    1 TB SAMSUNG SATA SSD
    2 TB WESTERN DIGITAL SATA HDD
    8 TB WESTERN DIGITAL EXTERNAL USB HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM850X
    Case
    Corsair 4000D
    Cooling
    NOCTUA NH-U12A
    Keyboard
    USB Wired HP
    Mouse
    USB Wired HP
    Internet Speed
    Download 52.5 Mbps, upload 10.5 Mbps (typical daytime)
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows 11 Defender/Antivirus
    Other Info
    The PC is mainly used for photo editing.
Dat said:
Thank you for your prompt reply. I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately, I had also emptied the trash bin, everything has been gone. I’m afraid not to have Option 2 because the folder is not in D drive. Anyhow, it’s not that important, I created a Downloads folder in D drive and changed the setting in Edge to direct all downloads to the folder.

Elevenforum is great, it offers a lot of tips and technical assistance and I read it everyday. Keep up the good work.

Best regards,
Click to expand...

Sorry you lost the contents, but glad you restored the folder.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@Brink
I just wanted to say thank you for this! I somehow also made a mess moving to a different drive and folder got lost. I used Option 3 (using the BAT file) and worked perfectly, saved me a great deal of headache.

Keep up the good work!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
iloveusa said:
@Brink
I just wanted to say thank you for this! I somehow also made a mess moving to a different drive and folder got lost. I used Option 3 (using the BAT file) and worked perfectly, saved me a great deal of headache.

Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...
Hello, and welcome. :shawn:

You're most welcome. I'm glad it could help.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hey! Sorry to bump an old thread. I have the Downloads folder fixed. My issue now is that since I had merged it with my user folder within the 'Users' section, my user folder is still named 'Downloads'. Any insight on how to restore my user folder name back to it's original name?

The weird part, is that when I open up the user folder and click on the address bar, I get the address 'C:\Users\playe' which IS my original name for the folder, but the folder itself is still titled 'Downloads'
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Vanstrudel said:
Hey! Sorry to bump an old thread. I have the Downloads folder fixed. My issue now is that since I had merged it with my user folder within the 'Users' section, my user folder is still named 'Downloads'. Any insight on how to restore my user folder name back to it's original name?

The weird part, is that when I open up the user folder and click on the address bar, I get the address 'C:\Users\playe' which IS my original name for the folder, but the folder itself is still titled 'Downloads'
Click to expand...

Hello, and welcome. :alien:

If you used option 3 to restore the default location of the Downloads folder, you could test manually renaming the user profile folder back to its original name. You'll have to rename it while signed out of the account, and sign in to another admin account though.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hello Shawn,

My purpose was to move the Downloads folder from the Windows SSD (C:) onto a storage HDD (E:) I performed the following steps before I read your post:

  • Create a Downloads folder on E:
  • Move Downloads contents from C: to E:
  • Attempted to change it in Windows 11, using the location/move sequence in the properties of Downloads on C:
  • Screwed up by inadvertently changing to root of E: instead of the Downloads folder of E:
  • Used the “restore” tab on the still-open properties of C:/Downloads.
  • Windows moved all files back from Downloads of E: back into Downloads of C:
  • Unfortunately, new downloaded files are still going to root of E:
  • I tried to resolve this by opening up properties of C: Downloads but this time found the location tab missing.
  • I searched for a solution and found the widely shared registry fix, placing a new key in the associated /property sheet handlers folder. Unfortunately, the correct key was already there!
I’m a fairly competent hardware tech but the competence evaporates when it comes to the OS or software. I’m wondering if you think your option #3 would be appropriate to address this or if you have any other suggestions instead.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) AMD AM4
    Memory
    Silicon Power 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Radeon Vega graphics
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB
    Toshiba HDD 3TB
    Seagate HDD ST2000VN000 2TB
    PSU
    ARESGAME AGV Series 500W Power Supply, 80 Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Thermaltake
    Cooling
    Stock Wraith Stealth Cooler
    Keyboard
    CHERRY Stream Keyboard TKL Wired USB
    Mouse
    Stock USB
    Internet Speed
    500 MB
    Browser
    Edge/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Grandad said:
Hello Shawn,

My purpose was to move the Downloads folder from the Windows SSD (C:) onto a storage HDD (E:) I performed the following steps before I read your post:

  • Create a Downloads folder on E:
  • Move Downloads contents from C: to E:
  • Attempted to change it in Windows 11, using the location/move sequence in the properties of Downloads on C:
  • Screwed up by inadvertently changing to root of E: instead of the Downloads folder of E:
  • Used the “restore” tab on the still-open properties of C:/Downloads.
  • Windows moved all files back from Downloads of E: back into Downloads of C:
  • Unfortunately, new downloaded files are still going to root of E:
  • I tried to resolve this by opening up properties of C: Downloads but this time found the location tab missing.
  • I searched for a solution and found the widely shared registry fix, placing a new key in the associated /property sheet handlers folder. Unfortunately, the correct key was already there!
I’m a fairly competent hardware tech but the competence evaporates when it comes to the OS or software. I’m wondering if you think your option #3 would be appropriate to address this or if you have any other suggestions instead.
Click to expand...

Hello, and welcome. :alien:

Correct. Option three should restore the default location for you.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thank you Shawn, for suck a quick response. Your .bat file worked to restore the Downloads folder and all contents back to its proper location. In addition, the properties again show the “location “tab”. Unfortunately, the new downloads continue to land in root of E:

To finally resolve this, I am considering starting again with your option #! - taking care to make the target folder correct this time. What do you think?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) AMD AM4
    Memory
    Silicon Power 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Radeon Vega graphics
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB
    Toshiba HDD 3TB
    Seagate HDD ST2000VN000 2TB
    PSU
    ARESGAME AGV Series 500W Power Supply, 80 Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Thermaltake
    Cooling
    Stock Wraith Stealth Cooler
    Keyboard
    CHERRY Stream Keyboard TKL Wired USB
    Mouse
    Stock USB
    Internet Speed
    500 MB
    Browser
    Edge/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Grandad said:
Thank you Shawn, for suck a quick response. Your .bat file worked to restore the Downloads folder and all contents back to its proper location. In addition, the properties again show the “location “tab”. Unfortunately, the new downloads continue to land in root of E:

To finally resolve this, I am considering starting again with your option #! - taking care to make the target folder correct this time. What do you think?
Click to expand...
It wouldn't hurt to try again.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I ran option #1 again, using the option to move all files to the new location. Upon completion, Downloads folder was indeed on E: but now all new downloads are going back to the original Downloads folder on C:

I copied the files manually back to C: and deleted the Downloads folder on E:

Bottom line – it works. I think I will call this a victory and leave it alone.

Many thanks for your time and patience!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) AMD AM4
    Memory
    Silicon Power 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Radeon Vega graphics
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB
    Toshiba HDD 3TB
    Seagate HDD ST2000VN000 2TB
    PSU
    ARESGAME AGV Series 500W Power Supply, 80 Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Thermaltake
    Cooling
    Stock Wraith Stealth Cooler
    Keyboard
    CHERRY Stream Keyboard TKL Wired USB
    Mouse
    Stock USB
    Internet Speed
    500 MB
    Browser
    Edge/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Grandad said:
I ran option #1 again, using the option to move all files to the new location. Upon completion, Downloads folder was indeed on E: but now all new downloads are going back to the original Downloads folder on C:

I copied the files manually back to C: and deleted the Downloads folder on E:

Bottom line – it works. I think I will call this a victory and leave it alone.

Many thanks for your time and patience!
Click to expand...

It sounds like it's back to square one at least. :shawn:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
It might be worth adding if you set a download location for a internet browser ie chrome, you will also need to change the download location in chrome. ie in google chrome its Settings > Downloads.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 24H2 (OS Build 26100.2605)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build 2022
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-12700KF
    Motherboard
    MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB 3200MHz (2x16GB) DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Trinity OC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG - LG 27GP850-B & ViewSonic - VG2755-2K
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    MS OS - Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD 1TB
    Data - Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD 1TB
    Media - Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD 2TB
    Back Up (internal) - Seagate BarraCuda 3.5 inch SATA HDD 2TB
    Back Up (external) - WD My Passport Ultra HDD 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM750 750W Gold ATX
    Case
    Corsair 4000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair iCue H150i Elite Capellix
    Keyboard
    Keychron Q3
    Mouse
    Razer Deathadder V3 Pro
    Internet Speed
    108 up / 19 down
    Antivirus
    The best
    Other Info
    Mouse pad: Lethal Gaming Gear - Saturn Pro
Excellent point. Focus undermined by gigantic brain fart. Thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) AMD AM4
    Memory
    Silicon Power 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Radeon Vega graphics
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG 980 M.2 2280 1TB
    Toshiba HDD 3TB
    Seagate HDD ST2000VN000 2TB
    PSU
    ARESGAME AGV Series 500W Power Supply, 80 Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Thermaltake
    Cooling
    Stock Wraith Stealth Cooler
    Keyboard
    CHERRY Stream Keyboard TKL Wired USB
    Mouse
    Stock USB
    Internet Speed
    500 MB
    Browser
    Edge/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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