How to Enable or Disable Ask Where to Save Downloads in Microsoft Edge
You enable or disable the “Ask where to save downloads” setting in Microsoft Edge to control where your downloaded files are saved.
This setting determines if Microsoft Edge, the default Windows 11 browser built on the Chromium engine, prompts you for a save location each time you download a file, or if it automatically sends them to your default Downloads folder.
By default, Microsoft Edge automatically saves all downloads to your user profile’s Downloads directory without asking.
To enable or disable asking where to save downloads in Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Downloads and toggle “Ask me what to do with each download” on or off. This setting controls whether Edge prompts you for a save location or downloads automatically.
Why Enable Download Prompts?
If you don’t always want to download a file to your computer, you can enable a feature that asks you first. This way, you can choose to open the file in the browser instead of saving it.
How to Turn On Download Prompts in Microsoft Edge
You can easily turn on the prompt that asks where to save downloads in Microsoft Edge through its settings menu.
- Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
- Click the Settings and more button. This is the 3 horizontal dots on the top right corner. Then select Settings.
- Click Downloads on the left menu.
- Look for the option that says “Ask me what to do with each download”. Toggle the button On or Off.
What Happens?
When the toggle is Off, Edge won’t ask you what to do with each download. Files will download automatically.
When the toggle is On, Edge will always prompt you before downloading. You can then choose to save the file or open it in the browser.
Alternative Method: Using Windows Registry
If you’re comfortable with advanced settings, you can also change Microsoft Edge download prompts using the Windows Registry.
- ⚠️ Admin Privileges Required — Open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder path below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge - If you don’t see the Edge folder, right-click on the Microsoft parent key. Then create a new subkey folder called Edge.
- Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the Edge folder. Select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type the name
PromptForDownloadLocation. - Double-click the new value named
PromptForDownloadLocation. Enter the Value data:- Enter 1 to have Edge ask before downloading files
- Enter 0 to disable the prompt and download automatically
⚠️ Restart your computer to apply the registry changes.
Summary
Controlling where your downloads go in Microsoft Edge is simple, with options to ask each time or let Edge choose.
- Use the Settings menu for a quick toggle
- Use the Windows Registry for more advanced control
If you use the Registry method, remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
Goal = disable the prompts to save and download.
When using the browser settings and the regEdit instructions here neither leave me withe expected outcome/goal. What could be blocking this?? It still prompts both save and download.