By default, Windows creates a Downloads folder in each user’s profile. This default location is set to receive files, pictures, and other data you acquire from the internet on your Windows 11/10 device. While the initial setup might be convenient for some, Windows doesn’t lock you into this default position. The operating system grants users the flexibility to shift the Downloads folder wherever they prefer, even to the desktop. This becomes particularly useful when your primary partition is nearing its storage limits, especially if you have the habit of downloading substantial files. It might then be prudent to direct your Downloads to a partition with more space. Notably, while Windows 11 is the new kid on the block, the functionality of altering the location of user folders, including the Downloads directory, isn’t novel. This procedure was available and remains compatible with Windows 10. The visual cues might differ slightly between the two versions, but the underlying steps remain fundamentally the same. Dive into this risewindows guide to learn the comprehensive steps to redirect your Downloads folder, giving you the freedom to store downloaded content right where you’d like it.
How to Change the Downloads Folder Location on Windows 11 or 10?
To move or change the Downloads folder location on Windows 11 or 10, you need to do the following steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
Step 2. Next, choose the Downloads folder by clicking on it.
Step 3. Then, right-click on it and pick the Properties option from the pop-up menu.
Step 4. After that, select the Location tab and then click on the Move button.
Step 5. Now, the File Explorer window will open. Select a new folder of your choice; you want to set the default Downloads location. For instance, we want to move my default Downloads folder to “F:\New Downloads.”
Step 6. Next, click the Select Folder button.
Step 7. Press the Apply button.
Step 8. Then, select Yes on the Move Folder dialog. Now, Windows 11/10 will start moving all the files and folders to the new location you have chosen in the above step. Also, when you download a new file from the internet, it will be stored in the new place by default.
Step 9. At last, click on the OK to exit from the Downloads Properties window.
Now, open your new destination folder as the default Downloads folder. You will find a “Downloads” folder, and within that, all the previous files stored that you had downloaded before.
After that, any file you download from the internet will automatically be saved in the Downloads folder on your Windows 11/10 machine.
That’s it.
Conclusion
Changing the location of your Downloads folder on Windows 11 or 10 is a straightforward process. By redirecting this folder, you can optimize storage, especially when the primary partition is nearing capacity. This flexibility is part and parcel of the Windows ecosystem, ensuring users can customize their experience to best suit their needs. So, whether you’re on the latest Windows 11 or still using Windows 10, this guide can assist you in placing your downloaded content right where you want it.
