Downloads is for some reason located under E:\ and can’t be accessed

Resolving the Issue of Redirected Downloads Folder on Windows

If you’ve inherited an older computer and notice that your Downloads folder is unexpectedly located on a different drive—such as an external USB drive—it can be frustrating, especially when this setup prevents easy access to your files. This common issue often arises due to changes made in folder paths, possibly during previous transfers or manual configurations. Fortunately, with a few straightforward steps, you can restore the Downloads folder to its default location on your primary system drive (typically the C: drive).

Understanding the Issue

In your situation, the Downloads folder appears to be pointing to an external USB drive (E:), which was previously used by the previous owner. When you click on the Downloads folder, Windows attempts to access E:\Downloads but encounters an error because the external drive is not connected, or the path has been altered.

How to Revert the Downloads Folder to the C: Drive

Follow these steps to redirect your Downloads folder back to its default location:

1. Open File Explorer

• Press Windows + E or click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar to open it.

2. Locate the Current Downloads Folder

• On the left sidebar, locate “Downloads” under “Quick Access” or your user directory.

3. Right-Click and Select ‘Properties’

• Right-click on the Downloads folder and choose Properties from the context menu.

4. Navigate to the ‘Location’ Tab

• In the Properties window, click on the Location tab. This tab displays the current path of the Downloads folder.

5. Restore Default Location

• Click the Restore Default button. This will reset the folder location to the default path, usually C:\Users\[Your Username]\Downloads.

6. Apply Changes

• After clicking “Restore Default,” hit Apply.
• A prompt will appear asking if you want to move all existing files from the old location to the new one. Choose Yes to consolidate your downloads into the default folder.

7. Confirm and Finish

• Click OK to close the Properties window.

Additional Tips

• Ensure Your Drive is Connected: If you plan to keep files on an external drive, ensure it is connected before opening your Downloads folder to prevent errors.
• Creating a Shortcut: If you’d like to quickly access your Downloads folder on the C: drive, consider creating