Modify File Download Settings on Your Google Chromebook

Change where your files are stored

Files downloaded on your Chromebook are stored in the Downloads folder by default. It's a convenient and aptly named location for such a task. Still, you may prefer to save these files elsewhere, such as on Google Drive or an external device.

While you can save downloaded files wherever you prefer, the Chromebook Tote holds all recently downloaded files, as well as screen captures and pinned files, for easy and quick access. Open Tote from your Shelf.

How to Modify File Download Settings on Your Chromebook

Here's how to set a new default download location on your Chromebook and how to instruct Chrome to prompt you for a location every time you initiate a file download.

  1. Open Chrome.

    Chrome in ChromeOS
  2. Select More (the three vertical dots located in the upper-right corner of the browser).

    The More menu in ChromeOS
  3. Select Settings.

    Settings in Chrome for ChromeOS
  4. On the left menu pane, expand Advanced.

    Advanced in Chrome settings
  5. Select Downloads.

    Downloads in Advanced settings in Chrome
  6. Next to Location, select Change.

    The Change button
  7. Choose the folder you want to save files to, then select Open.

    Choosing a folder to save downloads to in Google Chrome on a Chromebook.

In addition to changing the default download location, Chrome OS also allows you to toggle the Ask where to save each file before downloading setting on or off. When enabled, Chrome prompts you to select a new location each time you download a file.

The "Ask where to save" option in Chrome
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