How do you find recently downloaded files?


Downloading online files is one of the most common activities of PC users as well as mobile device users. You also want to know where your downloaded files are supposed to go.

Typically, unless you use the “Save As” command to specify which folder the file goes to, there’s a default Download Manager folder.

How do you find recently downloaded files?

To look for downloads on your computer:

  • You can choose File Explorer from the taskbar or press the Windows logo key + E.
  • Select Downloads from the Quick access menu.

To find recently downloaded files:

  • Open Windows or File Explorer
  • Click on the Downloads folder on the left side of the screen. On the right side, you will see what is in the Downloads folder.
  • Click the right mouse button in the right pane. Make sure you right-click on an empty space and not on a file or folder.
  • There will be a menu. Choose View > Details. Now, files that have been downloaded will be shown with the date and time they were made.
  • Click on the top of the Date modified column. This will put the files in order of when they were downloaded.
  • You should find the most recently downloaded file at the top or bottom of the list, depending on how the list is sorted (if sort if ascending) (source)
find recently downloaded files
find recently downloaded files

How to Change Default Download Location in Windows 10

How to Change Default Download Location in Windows 10

How do I find the download manager in Chrome?

  • Open Chrome on your computer.
  • Click More in the upper right corner and then Downloads.
  • Click on a file’s name to open it. It will open in the program on your computer that is set to open that kind of file by default.
  • To get rid of a file from your download history, click Remove to the right of the file. The file will be taken off of your Chrome Downloads page, but not from your computer.

How to Manage Where Downloads are Stored in Windows

Nowadays, people use good ol’ Chrome or Firefox browsers to serve as their Download Managers since Internet in the 2010s and 2020s are lightning fast now. Modern web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox save files on your user account’s Downloads folder.

There’s a multitude of ways to access this folder, including the option to go to it as soon as you’re done downloading a file off the net through your browser of choice.

Easy Ways to Get to Your Downloads Folder

The easiest way to access your Downloads folder is to go to the Start button then go to Downloads. Yes, it’s located there as one of the menu options. You can also open “Run” and type “Downloads” there to open the “This PC” downloads folder.

Just Go with Open File with Its Folder Option

Whenever you download a file on Chrome or FireFox, it asks you if you wish to open the file with its folder. Open it there to find your Downloads folder. You can also select File Explorer on your Taskbar to open the shortcut to your Downloads folder.

The Windows Key Shortcuts to Remember

You can also press Windows Key + E then go to the Quick Access section to get to your Downloads. There’s also the option to press Win Key + R then type %userprofile%/downloads before pressing enter. This opens the “This PC” Downloads folder on File Explorer too.

Personalize Your Download Folder by Adding It on the Start Menu

Add a Start menu shortcut for Downloads if you haven’t already done so. Just press Win Key + I then click “Personalization”. From there, select “Start” and click the link, “Choose which folders appear on Start” and go with the Downloads folder.

Is a download manager necessary?

Most people don’t need a download manager, but such software can be very helpful in certain situations. If you tend to download a lot of files, a download manager will save you a lot of time and keystrokes.

How do I use download manager?

Free Download Manager – Windows and macOS

More Points to Ponder

Your browser usually serves as your Download Manager in this instance. It’s responsible for managing your downloaded movies, music, photos, pictures, documents, and other files. In the past, people used apps like GetRight to download files then resume downloading them from a source.

Because of how fast Internet connections have become, your browser and its designated downloads folder is enough to manage your downloads at multiple megabytes per second.

References:

  1. Andre Da Costa, “How to Manage and Troubleshoot Downloads in Windows 10“, GroovyPost.com, May 26, 2021

Andy Avery

I really enjoy helping people with their tech problems to make life easier, ​and that’s what I’ve been doing professionally for the past decade.

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