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

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If you need to use a different location to save downloaded files with Microsoft Edge, here's what to do on Windows 10.

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

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.