How to Change Default Downloads Folder Location in Microsoft Edge

By default, Microsoft Edge saves every file you download into a folder simply called “Downloads.” If you prefer to save your files in a different spot, like a specific project folder or an external drive, you can easily change this setting.

Why change your download location?

Changing where your files go helps keep your computer organized. It also prevents your main hard drive from filling up if you have a secondary drive with more space.

What happens when you are done?

After you follow these steps, all future files you download from the internet will automatically go to your new chosen folder instead of the default one.

References:

Change the downloads folder location in Microsoft Edge – Microsoft Support

User data and privacy in Microsoft Edge

Option One : Change Default Downloads Folder for Your Account

Use this method if you only want to change the settings for your specific user account.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the Settings and more button (the three dots in the top right corner) and select Settings.
3. Click Downloads in the menu on the left. If you don’t see the menu, click the three-bar icon or make your window wider.
4. Click the Change button next to Location.
5. Browse to the folder you want to use, select it, and click Select Folder.
6. You can now close the Settings tab.

Option Two : Change Default Downloads Folder for All Users (Registry Editor)

Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option. This changes the setting for everyone who uses this computer.

This option uses the DownloadDirectory policy for Microsoft Edge.

1. Open Registry Editor (type regedit in your search bar).
2. Go to the following path in the left pane:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
4. If you do not see an Edge folder, right-click the Microsoft folder, select New, then Key, and name it Edge.
5. To change the location:
   • In the right pane, double-click DownloadDirectory. If you don’t see it, right-click an empty space, select New, then String Value, and name it DownloadDirectory.
   • Type the full path of your desired folder inside quotes, like this: "C:\Users\Public\Downloads". Click OK.
6. To undo the location change:
   • In the right pane, right-click DownloadDirectory and select Delete.
   • Click Yes.
7. If Microsoft Edge is open, close and reopen it for the changes to take effect.

Summary

You can easily change where Microsoft Edge saves your files through the browser’s settings menu for a quick fix. For advanced users or shared computers, using the Registry Editor allows you to lock in a specific download folder for every user on the system.