How to change new Microsoft Edge's default-download location

Microsoft Edge change default download location
Microsoft Edge change default download location (Image credit: Windows Central)

The new version of Microsoft Edge uses the "Downloads" folder as the default location to save documents, images, and files that you download from the internet.

Although using the default configuration is the logical location to store downloaded files, it doesn't mean that it's the best location for every installation. For example, if you have multiple hard drives, you may prefer to save downloads on the secondary storage because it has more space. Or maybe you download work files or personal images and want to avoid accidentally deleting them when freeing up space.

Whatever the reason it may be, the new Chromium version of Microsoft Edge includes an option to change the default location to store downloaded files on Windows 10.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to specify a new folder location to save downloaded files when using the new Chromium version of Microsoft Edge.

How to change default downloads folder location on Microsoft Edge

To change the default location to store downloaded files on Microsoft Edge, use these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the Settings and more (three-dotted) button from the top-right.
  3. Select the Settings option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click on Downloads.
  2. Click the Change button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Select the new folder location for downloads.
  2. Click the Select Folder button.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. (Optional) Turn on Ask where to save each file before downloading toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, documents, images, and files will always save automatically in the location you specified.

If you enabled the option to receive a prompt before downloading, you'll get a "Save As" dialog to select the folder you wish to use for the download.

You can always learn more useful tips to get started with the new version of Microsoft Edge in this guide.

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

Read more
Windows 11 new Screenshots location
How to change default save location for screenshots on Windows 11
Windows 11 change default browser
How to set the default web browser on Windows 11
Microsoft Edge Personal info
How to manage personal info saved on Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge Update page
Many of Microsoft Edge's most important features are now faster than ever
Windows 10 mount drive on empty folder
How to mount hard drive as folder on Windows 10
Microsoft Edge Vertical Tabs
Microsoft's new Edge Add-ons site might keep you away from the Chrome Web Store
Latest in Windows 10
Windows 10 Find My Device
How to enable Find My Device on Windows 10 to recover your PC if it's ever lost or stolen
Outlook Client Hero
Microsoft just made Windows 10 worse, and there's (almost) nothing you can do about it
Windows 10 Start menu on HP ZBook Studio G4
Microsoft will retroactively downgrade this part of Windows 10 next month
Former Microsoft Executive Vice President Terry Myerson stands in front of a presentation about Windows 10
Microsoft addresses the 'elephant in the room,' discusses upcoming end of Windows 10 support
Surface Hub 2S
Windows 10 for PCs is not the only version of Windows to reach end of support this year
Windows Insider program settings
Microsoft shuts down the Windows 10 Beta Channel just five months after reopening it
Latest in How-to
Atomfall
Can I play Atomfall on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and other gaming handhelds?
Windows 11 answer file
How to easily create an unattended answer file for Windows 11
The First Berserker: Khazan
Is The First Berserker: Khazan on Xbox Game Pass?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Xbox Game Pass?
A close-up of Hazel in South of Midnight
Is South of Midnight on Xbox Game Pass?
Atomfall screenshot
Atomfall: How to grab the best melee weapon and melee perk right away