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How to Enable the Download Menu in Microsoft Edge

Richard
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Richard
Apr 5, 2025 Updated Jul 13, 2026 2 min read
How to Enable the Download Menu in Microsoft Edge
How to Enable the Download Menu in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge download menu puts your downloads right at your fingertips.

This menu, officially called the “Downloads flyout,” is a small window that appears when you download something, showing its progress. It also gives you quick access to files you’ve already downloaded.

Microsoft Edge is the main browser for Windows 11. It’s based on the same technology as Google Chrome.

Turning on this handy menu lets you easily track and manage your downloaded files. You can find this option within Edge’s experimental features, often called “flags.”

⚡ Quick Answer

To enable the download menu in Microsoft Edge, navigate to edge://settings/downloads and toggle the switch next to “Show downloads menu when a download starts” to On. You can also pin the Downloads button to your toolbar for quick access via the three-dot menu.

Turn on the download menu in Edge

If your Microsoft Edge browser isn’t showing the download menu, you can turn it back on. Go to the downloads settings page and look for the switch that says “Show downloads menu when a download starts.” Flip this switch to the On position to get your download menu back.

micrsoft edge browser more option and settings
Microsoft Edge browser has more options and settings

On this page, click the switch next to “Show downloads menu when a download starts.” Toggle it to the On position.

Edge Downloads link on menu
Edge Downloads link on menu

Pin the Downloads button to your toolbar

You can add the Downloads button to your Edge toolbar for quick access to your downloaded files. Click the three dots in the top right corner of Edge, then right-click on the “Downloads” icon and select “Show in toolbar.”

  1. Click the three dots in the top right corner of Edge.
  2. Right-click on the “Downloads” icon.
  3. Select “Show in toolbar.”
Microsoft Edge settings page showing the Show downloads menu toggle option
Microsoft Edge settings page showing the Show downloads menu toggle option

Microsoft Edge’s download icon will remain visible at the top of the screen. Users can click this icon anytime to view their most recent downloaded files.

Conclusion

Keeping the download menu visible in Edge helps you manage downloaded files more efficiently. You can quickly check download progress or open the menu with a single click. This differs from the “Ask where to save each file” setting, as the menu shows download status, not file save locations.

📝Note
Enabling the download menu is not the same as the “Ask where to save each file” setting. The download menu shows you the status of your files. The “Ask where to save” setting makes a window appear each time you download, allowing you to pick a specific folder.

Once you’re done, close your settings tab. Your browser is now set up to suit your needs.

How do I show the download button on Edge?

The Downloads button won’t appear on your toolbar by default if certain settings aren’t enabled. You can toggle the Downloads button in edge://settings/appearance.

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Richard

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.

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