Tired of your Chrome downloads either cluttering your desktop or disappearing in a folder you have to hunt for every single time? Whether you like order or just finding things, a known location for downloads helps. Find out here how to change the default downloads folder in Google Chrome ⤓ on the desktop so files land where you want them.
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How to Change the Default Downloads Folder in Google Chrome on the Desktop
Time needed: 2 minutes
To pick the folder where downloaded files are saved by default in Google Chrome:
- Click the three dots Google Chrome menu button.
- Select Settings from the menu.
Mac keyboard shortcut: On a Mac, you can press Command , (comma) to open Chrome settings.
- Go to the Downloads category.
Chrome shortcut: You can open
chrome://settings/downloadsin Chrome to go to Downloads settings directly. - Click Change for Location under Downloads.
- Go to the folder you want to use for downloads.
Highlight: You can also highlight a directory in its parent folder to choose it.
- Click Select or Select Folder.
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How to Change the Default Downloads Folder in Google Chrome on the Desktop: FAQ
Can I save an individual download to a different folder?
Yes.
To save an individual linked file or document to a folder different from your default Chrome download location:
- Click on the link with the right mouse button.
- Select Save link as… from the context menu that has appeared.
- Navigate to the folder in which you want to save the download.
File name: You can also change the default file name, but you need not do so. - Click Save.
How can I open the downloads folder quickly?
To open the location used for a specific download quickly from Google Chrome:
Using the Toolbar
- Click Downloads in the Chrome toolbar.
- Hover of the downloaded file in the list.
- Click the Show in folder icon that appears as you hover.
Using the Download History
- Select Downloads from the Chrome three-dots menu.
Chrome keyboard shortcut: You can also press Ctrl J (Windows and Linux) or Command J (Mac) to open the download history. - Click the three dots menu icon for the file you are trying to locate.
- Select show in folder from the context menu.
Can I change the default downloads folder in Chrome for Android or iOS?
No.
In the Chrome apps, you can use the respective OS’s Files app to manage, find and open downloads. Chrome does not have default settings for its downloading location.
What are the installation defaults for Chrome download folders?
With a fresh install, Chrome uses the following default download locations:
(Tested with Google Chrome for desktop 126–150; first published July 2024, last updated July 2026)