How to change the download location on a Windows 10 computer, and choose a new folder for your downloads

insider@insider.com (Melanie Weir)
Man on Windows Computer
Man on Windows Computer

Reuters

We download items onto our computers all the time — pictures, programs, documents, and more — and these downloads all automatically go to the same place.

This is usually pretty convenient, as it keeps track of everything you download onto your computer, even if you want to save a particular item somewhere else after you download it.

However, if you'd like all of your files to download to a different location on your computer, there is a way to do it.

Here's how to change your download location on a Windows 10 PC.

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How to change the download location on a Windows 10 computer

1. Open the File Explorer. If you don't have the image of a file folder pinned to your taskbar, simply type "File Explorer" into the search bar in the bottom left corner of your screen and it will pop up.

2. If you want to create a new folder to use as your download location, do this now with the "New Folder" button under the Home tab at the top of the screen. If you'd like your files to download to an existing location, you can skip this step.

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how_to_change_download_location_windows_10_ _1

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3. In the This PC or Quick Access menus, right-click the Downloads folder, then click Properties at the bottom of the pop-up menu.

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Melanie Weir/Business Insider

4. In the new window, click on the Location tab. Then click "Move…"

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how_to_change_download_location_windows_10_ _3

Melanie Weir/Business Insider

5. Select the folder you want to make the download location on your computer.

6. Click "OK." This will cause all of the files currently in your Downloads folder to move to the new folder. When they are done loading, close the Properties window. New files that you download should automatically go to the new folder.

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