But as time passes, the drive starts to fill up. Low storage in the primary drive might create problems like the PC running slowly, the inability to install windows updates or no space for any other downloads. So, it’s best to change the download location to a different partition or drive. We can achieve this by changing the default download location of Windows and download paths from browsers. Check out the steps below and do it parallelly on your PC. By the time you finish this article, the download location will be changed.
Change the Default Download Location in Windows
The default download location in windows is stored in the C drive.C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads. However, We can change the default location itself or set select types of files to download to a particular location. Remember, changing the download location doesn’t prevent you from malware. You still have to be careful about safe downloads.check out the alternatives below to change the default download location and use them according to your need.
Use Windows Settings
The steps stated below are applicable for both Windows 10 & 11. Remember, you will need multiple drives/partitions to use this option. We can set files to be saved in locations according to their type. This functionality is accessed through windows settings. The download location of the following files can be decided.
AppsDocumentsMusicPicturesVideosMaps
Follow the steps below to make these changes:
Change the Path of Download through Properties
It is possible to change the whole location of the download folder from one drive to another. This means you can separate download folders for primary drives that house the operating system or relocate it into a secondary drive on your computer.Check out the steps below to get it done:If you ever want to change it back to how it was, follow the same steps stated above, except press, Restore Defaults and click on Apply and OK instead of move.
Change Download Location of Browsers
We have compiled the method for changing the download location of the most popular browsers currently in the market. If you have any other browser, do not worry; the essence of the process is the same. All you need to do is to find the download settings from your browser settings. Once you find that, all browsers will have an option to change where to save downloads.Browsers will have a lot of options for users to make changes, cancel downloads, etc. Most of the time any issue can be resolved with tweaks in these settings.Check out some of the examples of browsers taken below and learn to change the download location of any downloads done from browsers.
Change Download Location for Microsoft Edge
Change Download Location for Firefox
Change Download Location for Google Chrome
Change Download Location for Opera
Change Download Location for Brave
Frequently Asked Question
Does the Default Download Location Change Apply to Microsoft Apps?
Yes! We download apps from the Microsoft store, so the alternative stated above to change the download location through windows settings will apply here. There is a specific section in “where content is saved” regarding Apps. If you change location in the Apps section, future downloads from the Microsoft store will download in the specified drive.
