This is weird: I was downloading a file while in the Windows 10 Web browser and when I accidentally closed the tab from that page, the download vanished. Except I think it was still downloading. My question: Where’s the “Downloads” window in Edge, the Win10 Browser?
I never really thought about it, but you’re exactly right that the new Web Browser called Microsoft Edge that’s included with Windows 10 and 10.1 is missing a downloads shortcut or progress button of some sort. Google Chrome has one. Apple Safari has one, but if you’re downloading a big file in Microsoft Edge and you close the tab from which you started the download, well, then you’ve got a problem because there’s no indication whether the download is continuing or when it’s done. An odd oversight, really.
Before you panic and switch back to Firefox, however, there is a way to get to the Downloads area. It’s just not at al obvious…
To start, if you’re on a page and start a download, you’re likely used to seeing something like this:
If you leave that tab open, even if the browser is minimized, you’ll be able to check on the progress of the download and once it’s done be able to decide your next step:
But what if you accidentally or deliberately close that particular tab? Well, if you close the entire Web browser, your download will stop — you’ll see that “interrupted” status in a second — but if you leave the browser running, the download should certainly continue even if you can’t see it happening on screen.
In fact, open a new tab and there’s absolutely no indication that anything’s happening in the download queue:
Here’s the secret: See the three irregular horizontal lines on the top right? That’s one of a couple of darn useful buttons to learn about. When you’re done with this tutorial, click on the three dots for sure. But for now, click on the three horizontal lines.
This gives you access to your Favorites Bar, letting you fine tune your shortcut buttons. But that’s not what we seek!
Instead, click on the downward pointing arrow, the fourth icon from the left…
Hey! There are those pesky downloads. In fact, this shows the most recent downloads from the past (both Dell USB firmware updates) and the android app I was trying to download but had interrupted. In this particular instance, the interruption was due to network connectivity dropping, but quitting the browser would have the same effect.
Now you can see how to find your downloads and check their status! One more useful thing: See the “Open folder” link in this window? Click on it and you can clean up stray download files and free up some disk space:
I’m in pretty good shape with one stray download archive from Dell weighing in at about 20MB. How are you doing?
CTRL + j is a easy way to do it. )
For people who can remember all the dozens of secret keyboard shortcuts, yes, Ctrl-J is one to try!
This thread is rather old. Yet, perhaps, this will help someone:
At the end of Edge’s address bar, just beyond the star icon, is another star with 3 horizontal lines running out the right side. Click that and you will see Downloads with the option of opening the folder.
Right near the end of your article you state, “One more useful thing: See the “Open folder” link in this window? Click on it and you can clean up stray download files and free up some disk space.”
Where is that open folder link in the window? Are you talking about the File Explorer window in the image below that? If so, I don’t see an open folder link?
It’s the second to last screenshot with the word “Downloads” in bold on the top left. On the top right, in somewhat faint blue letters, is “Open folder”. That’s the link I’m referencing, Kris!
ctrl Q to see downloads if that helps
Thanks for the article. I found the location (though they seem to have changed the appearance of the icons since this was written.
I’m trying to download a large file. It’s not showing up in downloads at all but when I try to close Edge, I get a pop-up saying I’m currently downloading a file and that will stop if I close the browser. Is there any other way to see progress?
Thanks!
Hello! I was downloading some files when it was suddenly interrupted. And I am not able to continue with the download! How do I do it?
Just start the download over. If it can resume, it’ll jump to where you were within a few seconds!
Dave, I didn’t find it helpful!
I’m downloading (I think / I hope!) Windows 10 Creator Update via Edge onto Surface Pro 3 running W10.
Like a silly billy, I closed the tab that showed downloads progress…. and in a typical Windows scenario, nowhere can I find how to restore my view. Wherever I look on the web, none of the guidance or help works.
I clicked on the three lines as you suggest, but the only downloads I see are past downloads (including Windows10Upgrade92522.exe – which initiates, I assume, the Creator Upgrade).
But I can’t see the progress (percentage accomplished …. or even estimated time left – the latter being beyond the reach of current W10 engineering, I assume).
Pretty sure that system updates work differently, John. Once the Creators Update is downloaded, an icon should show up right on your desktop!
Thanks for the easy question – Windows10Upgrade92522.exe is just the downloader not the actual Windows files.
You might check your email, I just spotted a TechNet flash to NOT install it but wait until Windows Update notifies you to ensure any hardware issues are resolved.
Rolling back Windows builds causes issues, they are b.s.’ing that it doesn’t.
If “Windows10Upgrade92522.exe” is in the past downloads, it might be complete.
useful thanks
Finding the download is easy (found it without your article, but nice job for those would did not know). My problem is: I DON’T want to send the download to a destination arbitrarily chosen by Microsoft, I want to be able to designate the download destination!
After 40+ years of genealogical research, I have a specific folder with all the research records, documents, source files, cemetery stone photos, family pics, etc. I want records to go to the research file, not into some pre-selected file of Microsoft’s choosing… nor do I want to have to keep going to their folder to manually keep copying or moving the downloaded research to the permanent file.
ANY way to select my own chosen destination…? Or is Big Brother Microsoft going to keep telling me they know better than I do what I should do with my download?
DJ, everything goes into the Downloads folder. Then you can move it as desired. Far as I know, it can’t be changed…
Windows 10 build 14393 Anniversary Update: go to … (Options) scroll to
Settings then to
Advanced Settings and now a
Downloads location option, set a location or “Ask me what to do with each download”
all these ads u have sprinkled through out your newsletter..do u support any of them?..do u recommend i download any of them?..i have done so before to my peril and won’t do so again so this is why i ask
Depends on the adverts. I work with ad agencies so don’t individually screen the ads and vendors, Steve. Which specific software are you looking at?
Hi,
Quite a good article! I have been wondering about it and avoiding Edge. This was very helpful