How to Change the Default Download Folder (Windows)

Overview

You can change the default Downloads folder location to another drive or directory (for example, a secondary disk or shared folder). This helps manage storage space or centralize file storage.

---

Prerequisites

• Access to the Windows user profile
• Permission to modify folder properties
• A valid destination folder (existing or newly created)

---

Steps

1. Open File Explorer.
2. In the left navigation pane, locate Downloads.
3. Right-click Downloads and select Properties.
4. Go to the Location tab.
5. Click Move….
6. Browse to the desired location or create a new folder.
7. Click Select Folder.
8. Click Apply.

---

Prompt Handling

When prompted, choose whether to:

• Move all existing files to the new location, or
• Keep existing files in the current location

Select the option that best fits your requirements.

---

Notes

• This change applies only to the current Windows user profile.

• Each user must repeat these steps individually if multiple profiles require a different Downloads location.