How to find where you downloaded a file

The file is probably still on your computer, and there are a few simple ways to find it. In this lesson, we'll show you different techniques you can use to find your files, including searching and looking in common places. If you're having a difficult time finding a file, there's a good chance you can find it in one of the following places:. Let's say you recently downloaded a few photos that were attached to an email message, but now you're not sure where these files are on your computer.

Android phones and tablets include an app called Files or My Files , depending on the manufacturer. The app displays all files on the device, including those downloaded, listed in chronological order. The Files or My Files app is in the app drawer. Open the app and tap the Downloads option to view downloaded files on your phone or tablet.

If you don't like the default file manager app, another option is to download and install Files by Google , available in the Google Play store. The app helps you organize all files on your Android phone and tablet, and gives you easy access to downloaded files.

It includes features for clearing app cache and deleting junk files, which helps to regain storage space on the device.

On the iPad and iPhone , downloaded files are not saved or stored in a single location. Instead, downloaded files are associated and accessible through compatible apps. For example, if a picture is downloaded, it's available in the Photos app. If a song is downloaded, it is available to listen to through the Music app. To find a downloaded file on your iPad or iPhone, open the compatible app and use it to view or run the file.

Using a file manager app, you can organize all files on the device, making it easier to find them. Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost. Browse All Privacy and Security Articles Browse All Linux Articles Browse All Buying Guides. Best iPhone 13 Pro Case.

Best Bluetooth Headphones for Switch. Best Roku TV. Best Apple Watch. Best iPad Cases. Best Portable Monitors. Best Gaming Keyboards. You'll be able to see what you've downloaded from the web, where these items are stored on your PC, and choose actions to take on your downloads. Open Internet Explorer, select the Tools button, and then select View downloads. In the View Downloads dialog box, select Options in the lower-left.

Choose a different default download location by selecting Browse and then selecting OK when you're done. Internet Explorer uses add-ons such as Adobe Reader to view some files in the browser. If a file that needs an add-on won't open, you might have an older version of the add-on, which needs to be updated.

When you download a file, Internet Explorer checks for clues that the download is malicious or potentially harmful to your PC. If Internet Explorer identifies a download as suspicious, you'll be notified so you can decide whether or not to save, run, or open the file.

Not all files you're warned about are malicious, but it's important to make sure you trust the site you're downloading from, and that you really want to download the file. If you see a security warning that tells you the publisher of this program couldn't be verified, this means that Internet Explorer doesn't recognize the site or organization asking you to download the file.

Make sure you recognize and trust the publisher before you save or open the download. There are always risks to downloading files from the web. Here are some precautions you can take to help protect your PC when you download files:.

If the file has a digital signature, make sure that the signature is valid and the file is from a trusted location.