Update: Microsoft has added an easy way to change the default download location in Edge browser now. Please refer to our how to change Microsoft Edge download folder guide for step-by-step directions.
In this article, we will see how to change the default download location of files in Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10. The default web browser in Windows 10, which is Microsoft Edge, is not as complete as other features introduced with Windows 10. Microsoft is still working on its new web browser by adding new features and options.
Default download location in Microsoft Edge
The Edge browser is currently missing some essential settings such as the ability to change the default download location. If you are here searching for a way to change the download location in Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10, you’ll know that there are no options under Edge settings to change the default download directory, which is C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads by default.
Most users will never need to change the default download location, but users who often download large files or users who have limited space on their system drive usually like to change the default location to a different drive.
The Edge browser will certainly allow you easily change the default download location in future builds, but if you’re looking to change the default download directory right now, you need to manually edit the Registry.
Change download location in Edge browser in Windows 10
If, for whatever reason, you want to change the default download location in Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10, just compete the given below directions.
Step 1: Close Microsoft Edge browser, if it’s running.
Step 2: Open Registry Editor. To open it, type Regedit in Start search box or Run command box and then press Enter key.
Click Yes button when you see User Account Control dialog.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppContainer\Storage\
microsoft.microsoftedge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge\Main
Step 4: On the right-side, right-click to reveal the context menu, click New, click String Value. Rename the newly created String value to Default Download Directory.
Double-click on the newly created Default Download Directory, replace the default path in value data box with the path to the new download location. That’s it!
For instance, if you want to make F:\ISO\Windows 10 as the new download directory, then enter the same in the Value data box and then click OK button.
Tip: If you want easily copy a folder path, simply right-click on the folder while holding the Shift key, and then click Copy as path option. You can then paste this path anywhere you want by either pressing Ctrl + V or right-clicking and then clicking Paste option.
Step 5: Launch Edge browser, click the Hub icon (see picture), and then click Downloads to check the new download location. Note that files will be automatically downloaded to the newly added download location and you will not get an option to change the location while downloading files.
Hope this helps!
admin says
Christopher, it’s not possible to download Edge from anywhere. If you don’t like it, we suggest you try Firefox or Chrome.
Christopher J Wahl says
I have searched for over one hour and I can’t find where to download the Edge Browser. It came installed on my laptop, but it will not open. Why do you not have a dedicated link for downloading Edge? Another reason for hating microsoft. My next laptop will be a Mac. I’m done…you have killed me.
WTF did you do Microsoft???? says
This is the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen in my life!!!
The level of stupidity of the team who thought about this is astonishing.
Another wrong step from Microsoft.
Frustrated Author says
I cannot believe the idiots that put Edge together thinks that EVERYONE downloads to the same folder EVERY TIME. R U KIDDIN?
Ruth says
Whenever you try to download from Microsoft edge, it gets downloaded to the default location. There is no way you can make any changes to allow saving documents in different locations. I don’t need to move the default location: I need to be able to save the 20+ documents I download each day to different locations on my harddrive with the file names I chose: my work takes much longer and is increasingly frustrated by Edge.
Allahlea says
Sorry, but I cannot find where is that HomeButtonEnabled.
I don’t have that.
Help
Kostas says
Thanks, works fine :)
Kevin says
In the words of a great Australian statesman:
Done good, played strong.
Arunansh Kaushik says
works perfectly
David Labens says
I download bunches of stuff, and I want NONE of it in the same folders. Edge is a PITA if I cannot choose each download separately. For example, when I download music, I want it going to the ARTIST & ALBUM folder. When I download my paycheck stubs, I want it going to the PAYCHECK STUB folder under that YEAR, under TAXES, under FINANCIAL folder. When I download SOCIAL SECURITY FORM, I want it going to THAT specific folder.
I will not be using Edge for anything that will work on Firefox or Chrome until this is fixed.
Freddie Kruger says
This worked for me! Thanks a bunch!
Ag3nda says
After you paste the path, you need to remove the quote marks. “F:\Downloads” becomes F:\Downloads in the value field
Aaron says
I followed these directions to the letter, apparently this no longer works.
cary says
I have using window 10 for a few week, it is good, but, just cannot remove default download auto.
I willing to selected always ask, I did try many method, but not success, pls help !
thank you,
looking forward to received your prompt reply
Michael Doubet says
This is a great help. Still seems strange that you can’t set it to let you choose download folder with each download. But until they restore that feature this is a miracle.
indra says
Thanks mate, very helpful :D
Sergey says
Maybe someone knows how to disable Edge notification that the download is complete?