You might not know where a file downloaded through the Chrome browser on your Chromebook (or under Chrome OS) ended up. Fortunately, there’s a clear location to start looking—and a mechanism to double-check if you’re not sure. Here’s how to do it.
Check Your Downloads Folder
Chrome OS creates a separate folder called “Downloads” in your device’s “My Files” storage area by default. To see what’s inside, open the Files app first. To do so, go to the lower-left corner of the screen and hit the App Launcher button (a circle). Click the “Files” folder icon after expanding the menu.
Look in the sidebar on the left side of the window when the Files app appears. If required, expand “My Files” by clicking the little arrow beside it. You’ll notice “Downloads” listed underneath that. That should be clicked.
The contents of your Downloads folder will appear in the Files window after clicking “Downloads” in the sidebar. There’s a good chance your downloaded file is there. If not, there are a few alternative options that we’ll go over below.
Check the Download History in Chrome.
Check your Chrome browser’s download history if you can’t find the file you’re looking for in the Downloads folder. To do so, open Chrome and go to the three-dots menu in the upper-right corner. In the menu that displays, pick “Downloads.” (Or press Ctrl+J on the keyboard.)
The tab “Downloads” will appear. If your Downloads list hasn’t been emptied recently, you should see the file you recently downloaded displayed there. Click the “Show in Folder” link beneath the file to display its location in the Files app.
Following that, the Files app will open immediately to the downloaded file’s location, with the file highlighted. What a convenience!
If everything else fails, go on a search.
If you still can’t find the file you’re looking for, click the circle button in the lower-left corner of the screen to launch the App Launcher. You can also use your keyboard’s search key, which is denoted with a magnifying glass icon. Type the name (or part of the name) of the file you’re looking for in the pop-up menu.
If the file you’re looking for appears in the list below, click its name to open it. If the file isn’t a media file, the Files app will open and show you where it is. Best of luck!
