If you’ve ever been looking for file downloads from a website and had them vanish into thin air, you aren’t alone. It seems like most computers were designed to take the files you download in your web browser and then store them in a hard-to-reach place. Luckily as software has been updated, manufacturers have realized the difficulty people face and have simplified their software so it can all be stored in one place.
Initially locating your download location can take a little time, but once you know where it is then you know where all future downloads will be stored. This article will walk you through how to locate your download storage location based on the programs or operating system you use.
Web Browsers – Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera
The developers of the web browsers listed above apparently decided to make it a little easier on their users and have all decided to use the shortcut key Ctrl + J to open up the Downloads manager for the browser.
All you need to do is open one of the above browsers and then press Ctrl + J. This should bring up a screen with all of your past downloads and in most cases will provide you an option to go directly to where that file is stored on your computer.
If you are looking for a great lightweight web browser, Google Chrome is an excellent option that offers great functionality. It can be downloaded on your computer or mobile device, and you can sync your bookmarks and other settings across your devices. You can download it here.
Microsoft Windows
If you don’t have one of the above web browsers, or if you want to locate your files the old fashion way, then most of the time files can be found in a Downloads folder under the User Profile folder on your computer.
Simply open up File Explorer on your Windows computer and navigate to the below path. It might look a little different, but you should find it under the main hard drive that your operating system is installed on.
Oftentimes it can also show up on the side of your File Explorer, again labeled as Downloads.
Apple Mac File Downloads
Accessing your downloads can be a bit simpler on the macOS and only requires a few steps. Using Finder, go to File and then select New Finder Window (You can also use Command + N to launch a new window). In the new window you should see Downloads as an option on the sidebar.
The macOS also has a built in feature to access your downloads from your Dock. On the bottom right side of the box you should see an icon next to the trash bin. This will display recent Downloads and will allow you to navigate to your Downloads folder as well.
Android Phones and Tablets
The Android operating system incorporates an app named Files or My Files depending on the company who made it. Once you launch the app you should see a Downloads option that will take you to the folder with all of your phone or tablet’s downloads.
iPhone and iPad File Downloads
The download locations of files on iOS devices is a little bit trickier than the others on this list. The files aren’t located in a central location, instead they are accessible through the apps that are compatible with that file type.
For example, if you download a PDF you can view it by using Safari or a PDF viewing app. Pictures will be found in the Photos app, and songs and sounds will be found in the Music app.
If your device is running iOS 11 or later, you have the option to download the Files app that can manage all of your files in one place. It also allows you to sync any files with your iCloud or other third-party cloud service apps.
If you frequently have issues with your Wi-Fi connection, check out this article to see how you can fix it.
