How to Change the File Download Location in Your Browser

This article explains how to modify the download location of Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS operating systems running Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Safari, and Vivaldi.

Change the Download Location in Google Chrome

Chrome provides an option in the settings menu to change the default download location.

1. Select the Chrome menu button, depicted with three dots and located in the upper-right corner of the browser window.

2. When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings. The Chrome Settings interface displays in a new tab or window.

   You can also access this interface by pressing Command+, (macOS only) or by entering the following text in the browser's address bar: chrome://settings (macOS and Windows).

3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Advanced.

4. Scroll down to the Downloads section.

5. The current location where downloaded files are saved displays, along with a button labeled Change. To modify the Chrome download location, select Change, and choose the desired folder.

6. Also found in the Downloads section is an option labeled Ask where to save each file before downloading, accompanied by a check box. Disabled by default, this setting instructs Chrome to prompt you for a location each time a download starts through the browser.

Change the Download Location in Mozilla Firefox

In Firefox, the settings to change where downloads are saved are hidden away behind the about:URL protocol.

1. In Firefox, select the Open menu button indicated by three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.

   You can also open the Preferences window by pressing command+, (macOS only).

2. The browser's Preferences window opens. Locate the Downloads section, containing two options: Save files to and Always ask me where to save files.

3. Select Save files to if you want Firefox to save downloaded files to a designated location on your hard drive or external device. This is the default setting. To modify the location, select Browse, and then choose the desired drive and folder.

4. Select Always ask you where to save files if you want Firefox to ask you to provide a download location each time a file transfer is initiated.

Change the Download Location in Microsoft Edge

To change the download location for Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Select the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the window.

2. Select Settings.

3. Scroll down to Downloads and select Change.

4. Navigate to the folder you want to use to store Downloads, then choose Select Folder.

Change the Download Location in Opera

Here's how to access the hidden settings menu in Opera to change the location where downloads are saved.

1. Type the following text into the Opera address bar and press the Enter key: opera://settings.

2. Locate the Downloads section. The current path where file downloads are stored is visible, along with a button labeled Change. To modify this path, select Change and choose a new destination.

3. The Downloads section contains an option labeled Ask where to save each file before downloading. Accompanied by a check box and inactive by default, this setting causes Opera to ask you for a specific location each time a download takes place.

Change the Download Location in Safari

Accessing the Preferences menu for Safari allows you to change the file download location.

1. In the top menu bar, select Safari > Preferences.

   Alternatively, press Command+, (comma) on the keyboard.

2. Toward the bottom of the window is an option labeled File download location, which displays Safari's current file destination. To modify this setting, select the menu accompanying this option.

3. When the drop-down menu appears, select Other.
   

4. Navigate to the drive and folder where you'd like to save downloads, then choose Select.

Change the Download Location in Vivaldi

Quickly change the file download location for Vivaldi.

1. Select the Settings gear in the lower-left corner of the browser window.

2. Select Downloads, located in the left menu pane.

3. To change the download location, choose Select Folder under Download Location and browse to the location you want to use.

   If you know the exact path, enter it into the text field instead of browsing.

4. Once you are satisfied with your settings, close the window to return to your browsing session.