Solved Save Download Location

HowdyDo · Dec 24, 2023

I'm slowing figuring out this Windows 11, so be patient with me please.
I've followed a online tutorial showing how to change the default locations where my downloads go. I've selected my downloads to go to The Desktop, but somehow I still have to search for them.
Kinda disturbing when you D/L something and you say "where did that go"? OK, maybe I didn't say it exactly like that, I get a bit graphic when I'm frustrated, and age doesn't help.
Any guidance here would be appreciated.
Thanks: Dave

neemobeer · Dec 24, 2023

Many programs including all browsers rely on their own settings to determine a "default download" directory. If you are using a specific browser regularly then setting that location should be sufficient to setting a default. Some browsers may also have a setting, taking Firefox as an example, that will always prompt before downloading. Disabling that setting and setting a default of say the desktop will then stop asking where to save and always save to the desktop.

HowdyDo · Dec 24, 2023

neemobeer said:
Many programs including all browsers rely on their own settings to determine a "default download" directory. If you are using a specific browser regularly then setting that location should be sufficient to setting a default. Some browsers may also have a setting, taking Firefox as an example, that will always prompt before downloading. Disabling that setting and setting a default of say the desktop will then stop asking where to save and always save to the desktop.

I'm using Chrome now and I've used FF in the past, and I might switch back due to security/privacy?

allan · Dec 24, 2023

ALSO - when downloading from within a browser, if you right-click on what you want to download (rather than left-click), you will be prompted where to save it.

Winuser · Dec 24, 2023

How did you set the location of the Download Folder? If you did it correctly any programs that downloads to your User Download Folder should download to the new location. If you truly don't want want your downloads to go to the default User Download Folder I would move the Download Folder to a location other than your desktop .For example I have my Download Folder moved to my Drive D: instead of Drive C:.