How to Change the Default Download Location in Windows 10

Put your Microsoft Edge downloads (almost) wherever you want

Windows 10 laptop

Getty Images/Drew Angerer

by Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh has been a tech writer and product reviewer since 2011. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
Updated March 14, 2019

Many users enjoy the updated features of Microsoft Edge, but one feature sorely missed from the original Internet Explorer is the ability to change the download location directly from the browser.

Fortunately, there's a way to set a new download location within Windows 10's settings. You can redirect your downloads from the Downloads folder in your computer's C: drive, or to a new downloads folder in a different drive. Read on to learn how to set a new download location.

How to Change Default Download Location in Windows 10

It's best to change the default download location when you've just set up a new Windows 10 computer, recently reset your computer, or have only a few files in your original Downloads folder. It may take some time for the files to move from the old path to the new path.

  1. Create a new folder for your downloads. Create this folder in a location in a disk that's not the C: drive. 

    Alternatively, if you already have a folder you want to use for your downloads, make sure it's in a location other than the C: drive. 

  2. Access your original Downloads folder through File Explorer. Select the C drive > Users, then select the username you want to update with a new Download path.

    If your computer has multiple user accounts, you'll have to change the new download path separately. Or, you will have to make sure you're setting the new download path to the right user account.

  3. Right-click the original Downloads folder and select Properties.

  4. Select the Location tab.

  5. Select Move, then select the folder you want to be your new Downloads folder.

  6. Choose Select Folder, then select Apply. 

  7. Select Okay.

  8. You'll then get a prompt asking if you want the files from your original Downloads folder to go into the new Downloads folder. If you do, select Yes to confirm. 

    It's safer to set new download locations on non-removable storage, such as an internal hard drive or SSD. External storage can be volatile and corrupt files if not properly connected to a computer.

  9. The new downloads path is now set. Now, when you download from Microsoft Edge, all data will go to the new download location.