The default download location on our Windows systems works well enough most of the time without a problem, simply what if you lot want or need to change the location at the system level? With that in heed, today's SuperUser Q&A post has some helpful advice for a frustrated reader.

Today'due south Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Substitution, a community-driven group of Q&A web sites.

The Question

SuperUser reader Dr. John A Zoidberg wants to know how to change the Windows' default download path:

I would like to keep my drive paths as clean every bit possible and C:\Downloads is much nicer than C:\Users\Myname\Downloads. How can I stop Windows ten from using the user proper noun profile location by default?

How do yous change Windows' default download path?

The Answer

SuperUser contributors Techie007 and Charles Burge have the answer for us. First up, Techie007:

i. Open up Windows Explorer

2. Create the folder you want to have as your new Downloads binder (i.due east. C:\Downloads)

3. Nether This PC, right-click Downloads

4. Click Backdrop

5. Select the Location Tab

half-dozen. Click Move

7. Select the folder yous made in Step 2

8. Once it has finished copying everything to the new folder, click OK to shut the Properties Window

Followed past the respond from Charles Burge:

It is non Windows itself that downloads files, simply rather its applications like web browsers or other network clients. If you are specifically talking about downloading files from the Internet, your web browser has a setting for the default download location. You lot can even set it to ask you each time where you desire to put a file that you are about to download.

Have something to add to the explanation? Audio off in the comments. Desire to read more answers from other tech-savvy Stack Commutation users? Check out the full discussion thread here.

Prototype (Screenshot) Credit: Techie007 (SuperUser)

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