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Got two download folders in Windows 10/11? Here’s what to do
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Once you open theFile Explorer, there’s the whole left side reserved for a sidebar tree. There, you can find all major folders you would regularly use, including the Downloads folder. However, some users are not willing to deal with two or even three Download folders which lead to the same path.
This might be due to a system error during thesystem upgradeor some third-party application unreasonably added another folder. As all of them link to the same path (usually C:UsersUsernameDownloads), you probably want some of them gone.
We made sure to explain how to remove the built-in folder (or not) in the list we provided below.
How to remove a redundant download folder from Windows 10
1. Delete the redundant folder
If the path is the same for both folders but they are presented with two different names, you can delete one freely without any repercussions. Just make sure tobackup all your datafrom the folder to avoid permanent loss of data. Of course, if a third-party application created the folder, the next time you try to download something, it’ll recreate the same folder. That’s why we suggest re-assigning the download path to a system-default Downloads folder.
Once you’ve done that, roam through all applications you use to download files and change the path. All browsers store files in a default folder, originating in C:UsersUsername. If you want to change them, continue with the further steps.
2. Change the path for downloaded files
Now, if want to change the default download location and remove the default Download folder, that’s completely a new deal. And it can be done with a certain Registry script or manual approach. Maybe, in this scenario, the built-in Downloads folder isn’t of any use to you.
Maybe you want to keep your downloads away from the system partition. Whether that includes an alternative storage partition or even a cloud service client which swiftly backs them up.
Here’s how to completely remove the built-in Download folder fromWindows 10:
This is how to change the default download location on Chrome, Mozilla, and Edge:
Chrome
Firefox
Edge
3. Reset your PC
Finally, if you’re completely bamboozled with the way Download folders are created and they multiply unreasonably, we suggestscanning for malwareand PuP. After that, resetting thePCto factory values should be the shortest route to resolving this problem. Why such a drastic measure, you might ask? Well, if you’veupgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7, the system folders in File Explorer seem to double.
Because of that, we suggest resetting yourPCto factory values. Hopefully, after that, you’ll be left with just one Downloads folder. Here’s how to reset yourPCto factory values:
With that said, we can conclude this article. In case you have an alternative solution or similar problem you care to share, the comments section is below.
More about the topics:windows 10 fix,windows downloads
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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