While you may use the internet to browse, you can also use the Internet to download files to your computer. From email attachments to photos, music, movies, applications, and more, you've probably downloaded lots of different files from the Web.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to locate those files after downloading them. In this lesson, you'll learn how to find your downloads easily on both Windows and macOS computers.
Using the Downloads folder
By default, most computers will save downloaded files in a specific folder, known as the Downloads folder. If you're having trouble finding a downloaded file, this is the first place you should look.
Using the Downloads folder in Windows:
- Open File Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer), then locate and select Downloads in the Navigation pane. A list of your downloaded files will appear.
- File Explorer should be on your taskbar at the bottom of your screen. You can also navigate to it by typing “file explorer” into the start button search bar.
Using the Downloads folder in macOS:
Locate and select the Downloads folder on the right side of the Dock. A list of your downloaded files will appear in a Stack above the folder.
If you don't see the Downloads folder on the Dock, you can use Spotlight to navigate to it. Click the Spotlight icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then type Downloads in the search box.
You can also use Finder
You will end up in Downloads
Viewing Recent Downloads in your Browser
You can also view downloads directly from your web browser. This is helpful for finding files you've downloaded recently from the internet, and every file might not display in your Downloads folder.
We'll use Google Chrome in the example below, but other web browsers will have similar options for viewing recently downloaded files.
- In Chrome, click the three dots on the top right, then select downloads from the drop-down menu.
- In Firefox it will be under the library icon
Searching for Files
Sometimes you may not be able to find the file you need in the Downloads folder. If you believe the file is still on your computer, you can always search for the file.
Searching for Files in Windows:
Click the Start button, type the file name or keywords, then press Enter. If you're using Windows 10, find the Start screen and start typing the file name in the search bar.
Searching for Files in macOS:
Click the Spotlight icon, type the file name or keywords, then press Enter. If you still can't find the file you need, you may be able to re-download it from the original source on the Web.
