We’ll learn how to find and use the Downloads folder in Windows 11 in this article. The Downloads folder is one of the default folders created for each user in Windows 11, and it’s where you can store files, installers, and other internet content, either temporarily or permanently, depending on your preferences.
The Downloads folder is useful, but not essential. It simply provides a location where all downloaded files and other data are saved, so you don’t have to search all over the internet for content you’ve downloaded.
The Downloads folder is the default location for saving content in all major web browsers. They do, however, give you the option of changing where files are saved or selecting a setting that asks you where you want to save the file before downloading it.
These web browsers can be set to save downloaded files in a different location by default, rather than the default Downloads folder in Windows. You can easily change this setting in each browser.
Follow the steps below to start looking for the Downloads folder in Windows 11.
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How to locate the Downloads folder in Windows 11
The default location for the Downloads folder in Windows is in each user’s profile is at C:\Users\<username>\Downloads.
Replace <username> with the name of your Windows account. Users can also change or move the Downloads or other personal folders to a different location at any time in Windows.
File Explorer can be used to navigate to the Downloads folder. On the taskbar, the File Explorer icon is the button with the folder icon.

The Downloads folder has a shortcut in File Explorer’s navigation pane on the left under Quick access.

In Windows, this is the quickest way to get to the Downloads folder.
How to add the Downloads folder on the Start menu in Windows 11
Users can also add Downloads or other personal folders to the Start menu button in Windows for easy access.
Follow the steps below to add the Downloads folder to the Start menu:
- To open the Windows Settings app, press Windows key + I.
- Choose which folders appear on Start next to the Power button by going to Personalization > Start tile, then Folders.

The Downloads folder will now appear next to the Power button on the Start menu.
Another quick way to get to the Downloads folder in Windows 11 is to use this shortcut.
As previously mentioned, one can move the Downloads folder to a different location or change the settings in their browser to save files and downloaded content from the internet to a different folder.
You can also set the download preference to always ask you where you want to save the file before downloading it. All of these options make it easier to locate files and other content you’ve downloaded from the internet.

Final Word
We learn how to find and use the Downloads folder in Windows 11 in this article. Please use the comment form below if you find an error or have something to add.
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People also ask
In Windows 10, locate and manage where downloads are saved.
There are a couple of different ways to get to Downloads. Start > Downloads is a quick way to get there. Alternatively, press Windows key +R and type %userprofile% /downloads, then press Enter. In File Explorer, navigate to your Downloads folder and select “This PC.”
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