How to Find Your Downloads Folder

How to Find Your Downloads Folder

Your downloads folder is where files go when you save something from the internet, receive an email attachment, or download from an application or program. Below are several quick and easy steps on where to find it. If you still need help, feel free to submit a ticket to helpme.goettl.com and the IT Support team will be happy to assist.

Windows

Option 1: File Explorer

  1. At the bottom-center of your screen, click the File Explorer icon in your Taskbar. Alternatively, press and hold the Windows key, then press the E key.

  2. You should see a File Explorer window pop up. In the left sidebar, click Downloads.

Option 2: Address Bar Shortcut

  1. At the bottom-center of your screen, click the File Explorer icon in your Taskbar. Alternatively, press and hold the Windows key, then press the E key.
  2. Click in the address bar at the top, and type in (or you can copy and paste) %userprofile%\Downloads and press Enter.


Mac

Option 1: Finder

  1. Click the Finder icon in your Dock.

  2. In the left sidebar, look for Downloads under your user name or the Favorites section.

  3. Click Downloads to open the folder.
  4. Don't see it in the sidebar? Press the command ⌘ and comma , keys and then click the Sidebar tab at the top, and make sure Downloads is checked.

Option 2: Dock

  1. Look at the right side of your Dock (near the Trash).
  2. You may see a Downloads stack icon - click it to see your recent downloads, or right-click > Open in Finder to open the full folder.

Option 3: Go Menu

  1. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click Go.
  2. Select Downloads from the dropdown (or press ⌥ + ⌘ + L).

Linux

If you’re capable of installing a Linux distribution, but somehow find yourself unable to locate your Downloads folder, you’ve managed to achieve a truly remarkable mismatch of skills. The good news is that resolving this particular mystery is significantly less demanding than your earlier accomplishments, and should require only a brief departure from advanced system configuration into the realm of basic observation.

Option 1: Using the File Manager (GUI)

  1. Open your file manager (commonly called Files, Nautilus, Dolphin, Thunar, etc. depending on your distro).
  2. In the sidebar on the left, click on Downloads.

Option 2: Using the Terminal

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. Run: cd ~/Downloads
  3. Press Enter.