How to open the folder containing downloaded files

Downloading files is one of the primary tasks when using the internet. You can find nearly everything online, and chances are you've downloaded quite a few files since you started using your computer. The operating system tries to store all downloaded files in a central location, but sometimes, files might be scattered across your computer. Knowing how to quickly locate a downloaded file can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Check the Downloads folder. On Windows, the Downloads folder is where most programs store downloaded files by default. Here are a few ways to find the Downloads folder:

• Click the Start menu and select your user name. The Downloads folder will appear in the window that opens.
• Open Windows Explorer ⊞ Win+E. The Downloads folder may be listed on the left pane under "Favorites" or "Computer/This PC".
• Press ⊞ Win+R and type shell:downloads. Press ↵ Enter to open the Downloads folder.

Check other locations. If you download many programs, these files may be scattered across your system. Common places for downloaded files include the Desktop and the Documents/My Documents folder.

• If your computer has an additional storage drive, check if you have created a folder for downloaded files there.

Find the file. If you know the name of the file you've downloaded, you can search for it to quickly open it. Press ⊞ Win and begin typing the file's name. The file will appear in the search results.

Open the downloaded file. Opening most files downloaded from the internet is simple, but some formats might be unfamiliar. You can refer to the articles below or search online to learn how to open less common file types.

• Play MKV video files
• Burn ISO image files
• Extract RAR files
• Use BIN files
• Download Torrent files

Check the Downloads folder. On OS X, the Downloads folder is where most programs store downloaded files by default. Here are a few ways to find the Downloads folder:

• Click the Downloads folder in the Dock.
• Click the Go menu and select Downloads
• Open a Finder window. Press ⌥ Opt+⌘ Cmd+L to open the Downloads folder.

Check other folders. Over time, downloaded files can accumulate and scatter across your computer, especially if you use multiple programs for downloading. Common places where downloads tend to be located include the Desktop or the Documents folder.

• If your computer has an additional drive for data storage, check if you have ever created a specific folder for downloaded files on that drive.

Search for the file. If you know the file's name, you can search for it to open quickly. Open a Finder window and press ⌘ Cmd+F to open the search bar, then type the file name and select it from the search results.

Open the downloaded file. Opening most files downloaded from the web is straightforward, but some file formats may be a bit unfamiliar. You can refer to the articles below or search online for guidance on opening less common files.

• Play MKV video files
• Burn ISO image files
• Extract RAR files
• Use BIN files
• Download Torrent files

Open the Downloads list. You can access Chrome's recent downloads by clicking the Menu button (☰) and selecting Downloads, or by pressing Ctrl+J (on Windows) or ⌘ Cmd+J (on Mac).

Browse recent download history. Chrome keeps a download history for a few weeks, unless manually cleared. By clicking on any item in the list, the file will open (if it still exists). You can also click on the "Show in folder" link to open the folder containing the selected file.

Open the Downloads folder. Click the "Open downloads folder" link in the upper-right corner to access the folder where Chrome stores downloaded data. By default, this is the Downloads folder within the user's directory.

Change Chrome's download folder. Click the Chrome Menu button (☰) and select Settings. Scroll down and click on the "Show advanced settings" link. Under the "Downloads" section, you can set a new folder for downloads by clicking the Change... button.

• You can also set Chrome to ask before saving each file.

Open the Recent Downloads list. Click the downward-facing arrow in the upper-right corner of the Firefox window. Recent downloads will appear. By clicking the folder icon next to any file, the folder containing that file will open.

Open the Downloads Library. In the Recent Downloads list, click on "Show All Downloads" to access the Firefox Library. The Downloads tab will open, displaying all saved downloaded files. You can use the search bar to find specific content.

Change Firefox Download Folder. Click the Firefox Menu button (☰), select Options, then click on the "General" tab. You can change the download folder by clicking the Browse... button.

• You can also opt for Firefox to ask before saving files.