How to Enable or Disable Ask Where to Save Downloads in Microsoft Edge
You enable or disable “download-location-prompt-in-microsoft-teams/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="39186">Ask me what to do with each download” in Microsoft Edge to choose where your downloaded files are saved.
This setting controls whether Edge prompts you for a save location every time you download something or automatically sends it to your default Downloads folder.
Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, is the default browser for Windows 11. By default, it automatically saves all downloads to your user profile’s Downloads directory.
Why Enable Download Prompts?
If you don’t always want to download a file to your computer, you can enable a feature to ask 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
Here’s how to enable the prompt feature in Edge.
- 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?
If the toggle is Off, Edge will not ask you what to do with each download. Files will just download automatically.
If 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
Users can also use the Windows Registry to turn this feature on or off. Follow these steps:
- ⚠️ 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
Enabling the “Ask me what to do with each download” feature in Microsoft Edge gives you more control over your downloaded files. You have two ways to turn this on or off:
- 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.