Downloading files is one of the main uses of the internet. You can find almost anything on the internet, and you've likely downloaded files from the time you started using your computer. Your operating system will try to place all your downloads in one central location, but you may end up having downloaded files all over your computer. You can save a lot of time and avoid headaches by knowing how to find your downloaded files quickly.
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Method 1 of 4: Searching for Windows Downloads
Step 1. Check your Downloads folder
Windows includes a Downloads folder for each user which acts as the default download location for almost all programs. There are several ways you can do to find your downloads folder:
- Click the Start menu and then click your username. You will see a Downloads folder in the window that opens.
- Open Windows Explorer Win+E. Your Downloads folder may appear in the left-hand frame under "Favorites" or "Computer/This PC".
- Press Win+R and type shell:downloads. Press Enter to open the Downloads folder.
Step 2. Check other locations
If you download with multiple programs, chances are your downloads will spread a bit. Another popular place for downloads to appear is in your Documents/My Documents folder.
If you have a secondary drive that acts as a storage place for files, check that drive to see if you created a downloads folder there as well
Step 3. Locate the file
If you know the name of the file you're downloading, you can search for it so you can open the file quickly. Press Win and start typing the file name. You will see it appear in the search results.
Step 4. Open your downloaded file
You should have no trouble opening most of the files you download online, but you can run some types of files that can cause problems. See the guide below for details on how to open problematic files like this.
- Playing MKV video files
- Burn ISO image file
- Extract the RAR file
- Using BIN files
- Download Torrent files
Method 2 of 4: Searching for OS X Downloads
Step 1. Check your Downloads folder
OS X includes a Downloads folder for each user which acts as the default download location for almost all programs. There are several ways you can do to find your downloads folder:
- Click your Downloads folder in the Dock.
- Click menu Go and select Downloads.
- Open a Finder window. Press Opt+⌘ Cmd+L to open the Downloads folder.
Step 2. Check other locations
Downloaded files tend to spread all over your computer over time, especially if you use a lot of different programs to download. Some other popular places to show your downloads include the Desktop or in your Documents folder.
If you have a secondary drive that acts as a storage place for files, check that drive to see if you created a downloads folder there as well
Step 3. Locate the file
If you know the name of the file you're downloading, you can search for it so you can open the file quickly. Open a Finder window and press Cmd+F to open the search bar. Start typing the file name and select it from the search results.
Step 4. Open your downloaded file
You should have no trouble opening most of the files you download online, but you can run some types of files that can cause problems. See the guide below for details on how to open problematic files like this.
- Playing MKV video files
- Burn ISO image file
- Extract the RAR file
- Using BIN files
- Download Torrent files
Method 3 of 4: Managing Chrome Downloads
Step 1. Open your Downloads list
You can open a list of your recent downloads in Chrome by clicking the Menu button (☰) and selecting Downloads, or by pressing Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac).
Step 2. Browse the list of recent downloads
Chrome keeps a download history for several weeks unless the download is cleared. Clicking on any item in the list will open the downloaded file (if it's still there). You can also click the "Show in folder" link to open the folder containing the specific file you selected.
Step 3. Open your Downloads folder
Click the "Open downloads folder" link at the top right to open the folder used by Chrome to store your downloaded files. By default, it's in the Downloads folder in your user directory.
Step 4. Change the Downloads folder in your Chrome
Click the Chrome Menu button (☰) and select Settings. Scroll down and click the "Show advanced settings" link. In the "Downloads" section, you can specify a new folder that Chrome will use to store your downloads by clicking Change….
You can also choose whether Chrome should prompt you to save the file or not when you download
Method 4 of 4: Managing Firefox Downloads
Step 1. Open your Recent Downloads list
Click the down arrow button in the upper right corner of the Firefox window. This will display your most recent downloads. Clicking on a file in the list will open the file (if it still exists). Clicking the folder icon next to the file will open a folder containing the specific file you selected.
Step 2. Open the Downloads Library
In the Recent Downloads list, click "Show All Downloads". This will open the Firefox Library, with the Downloads tab selected. All your saved downloads will be displayed here. You can use the search bar to search for something specific.
Step 3. Change the Downloads folder in your Firefox
Click the Firefox Menu button (☰) and select Options. Click the "General" tab. You can change the folder where you save your downloads by clicking Browse…
