How to Change the Default Download Location in Windows

Learn how to change the default download folder in Windows 11. Reclaim storage space and organize files by redirecting downloads to a different drive.

1. Create the target folder. Open File Explorer and navigate to the drive or location where you want your downloads to be saved. Right-click in an empty space, select New, then click Folder. Name the folder clearly, such as 'Downloads_Storage'.
2. Open browser settings. Open Microsoft Edge. Click the ellipsis icon (...) in the top-right corner of the window. Select Settings from the dropdown menu to open the configuration pane.
3. Modify download path. Select Downloads from the left-hand sidebar menu. Locate the Location section and click the Change button. Browse to the directory created in the first step and click Select Folder.
4. Confirm folder permissions. Test the new configuration by downloading a small test file from a trusted source. Open the new target folder in File Explorer to ensure the file appears in the designated location immediately upon completion.