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Question from Danny: Hi, Rick. Several years ago I read your post explaining how to change the default Downloads folder in Windows 7.
I followed the instructions and changed the Downloads folder on my PC to the Desktop because that way I always knew where to look for the file I just downloaded.
I just replaced that old computer with a new Windows 11 machine and I’d really like change the Downloads folder to the Desktop again. Can you tell me how to do it in Windows 11?
Rick’s answer: I’ll be happy to tell you how to do it, Danny. Just be aware that once you change the Downloads folder to the Desktop that’s precisely where everything you download will end up, possibly resulting in a Desktop that’s so cluttered it’ll become virtually unusable.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s proceed…
The procedure for changing the Downloads folder is just slightly different in Windows 11 than in Windows 7. Follow these steps:
1 – Press the Windows+E key combination to open File Explorer.
2 – Right-click on the Downloads folder, then click Properties.
3 – Select the Location tab.
4 – Click the Move button.
5 – Click Desktop in the left-hand column.
6 – Click the Select folder button.
7 – Click Ok.
8 – Important: You’ll now be asked if you’d like to move all the files that are currently in the old Downloads folder to the new one.
I strongly recommend that you click No because if you click Yes all of those files will be moved onto to your Desktop! Just sayin’.
9 – You’ll now be asked a question “Folder Redirection”. You can answer this one however you wish to answer it. Just be sure to read the warning carefully before you make a decision.
That’s all there is to it. All of your downloads should now be saved to the Windows Desktop by default.
By the way, you can actually designate virtually any folder on your system’s hard drive or SSD to serve as the default Downloads folder. Your choice isn’t limited just to the Desktop.
In fact, you can even set a USB drive or even a cloud storage drive to receive your downloads. Pretty neat, huh?
I hope this helps, Danny. Good luck!
Bonus tip: Since you’re new to Windows 11 you might want to check this out. (#ad)