Where Chromebook downloads go by default

When you download a file on a Chromebook, it lands in your Downloads folder by default. This folder lives in the Files app — the same place where you see your Google Drive, local storage, and any external drives you plug in. You can see what you've downloaded recently by clicking the Files app icon in your shelf, then selecting Downloads from the left sidebar.

The Downloads folder is the only place most Chromebooks let you save files directly from the web. Unlike Windows or Mac computers, Chromebooks don't give you the option to pick a different folder each time you download something. Instead, you change the default location once, and all future downloads go there.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromebook downloads go to your Downloads folder by default, which you can view in the Files app.
  • You can change the default download location through Chrome's settings, but only to folders on your Chromebook's local storage or an external drive.
  • Google Drive folders do not work as download destinations, even though they appear in the Files app.
  • After you change the setting, all new downloads will go to your chosen folder unless you change it again.

How to change your download location in Chrome settings

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left sidebar, click Downloads. You'll see a section labeled "Download location" with a button showing your current folder path.

Click the Change button next to your current download location. A folder picker will open. Navigate to the folder where you want downloads to go — this can be a folder on your Chromebook's local storage, a folder on an external USB drive, or a folder you create inside either of those locations. Once you've selected the folder, click Select Folder. Chrome will confirm the change, and all future downloads will go there.

What folders you can and cannot use

You can download to any folder on your Chromebook's built-in storage or on an external drive plugged into a USB port. You can also create new folders inside these locations and download to those. However, you cannot download directly to a Google Drive folder, even though Google Drive appears in your Files app. If you try to select a Google Drive folder, Chrome will not let you confirm the choice.

If you want files to sync across your devices, download them to your local storage first, then move them to Google Drive manually through the Files app. This takes an extra step but ensures your files are backed up and accessible from other computers and phones.

Using an external drive as your download location

If you plug in a USB drive or external hard drive, it will appear in the Files app under "External storage." You can set this as your download location the same way you would a local folder — open Chrome Settings, go to Downloads, click Change, and select a folder on your external drive.

Keep in mind that if you unplug the drive, Chrome will not be able to download files until you either plug it back in or change your download location to a folder that exists. If you try to download while the drive is disconnected, you'll see an error message telling you the location is unavailable.

Moving files after they've been downloaded

If you've already downloaded files to your Downloads folder and want to move them elsewhere, open the Files app and go to Downloads. Select the files you want to move by clicking the checkbox next to each one, or press Ctrl+A to select all. Right-click and choose Move to, then pick your destination folder.

You can also drag and drop files from Downloads to another folder in the Files app. This works whether you're moving them to another local folder, an external drive, or Google Drive. Moving files to Google Drive this way will upload them and keep them synced across your devices.

Checking your current download location

To see where your downloads are currently set to go, open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right. Select Settings, then Downloads from the left sidebar. The "Download location" section will show your current folder path. If the path looks unfamiliar or you're not sure where it points, click Change and you'll see the folder highlighted in the file picker.

If you've changed your download location and then deleted that folder, Chrome will show an error the next time you try to download. When this happens, go back to Chrome Settings > Downloads and pick a new location that still exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download to different folders for different file types?

No. Chromebooks do not have a way to send PDFs to one folder and images to another. All downloads go to the single location you set in Chrome Settings. If you need to organize files by type, download them all to one folder and then sort them manually afterward using the Files app.

What happens to files in my Downloads folder if I change the download location?

Files already in your Downloads folder stay there. Changing your download location only affects new downloads going forward. Your old files won't move automatically, but you can move them yourself using the Files app if you want to organize them.

Can I download to a folder inside Google Drive?

No. Chrome will not let you select a Google Drive folder as your download destination, even though Google Drive shows up in the Files app. Download to your local storage or an external drive instead, then move files to Google Drive afterward if you need them there.

What if I plug in a USB drive after I've set it as my download location?

If your external drive is unplugged when you try to download, Chrome will show an error message saying the download location is unavailable. Plug the drive back in and try downloading again, or change your download location to a folder that's always available, like your local storage.