Downloading a file means saving a copy offered online onto your computer, phone, or tablet so you can use it there. Unlike simply viewing a webpage, a download creates a file on your device. The exact steps depend on the file type, browser, and device.
What happens when you download a file?
You select a file or save control on a website or in an app, and the device stores the file in a location such as a Downloads folder. Google Chrome Help describes downloading as saving a file or image on a computer or device: Download a file – Computer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A file may open in the browser instead of downloading, and some sites do not allow downloads for certain content. Viewing a page or opening a file in a browser is not always the same as saving a copy for later.
How to download a file in desktop Chrome
- Open Chrome and visit the website that offers the file.
- Click the file’s download link. For an image, use its save option. If a PDF opens in Chrome, use the available save command, such as “Save Link As” where applicable. A webpage can be saved with Chrome’s “Save Page As” command.
- If Chrome asks where to save it, choose a folder and select Save. Otherwise, Chrome places it in the configured default download location.
- To locate the result, open Chrome’s download indicator or choose More > Downloads. Select the filename to open it in the computer’s default app for that file type.
Chrome’s documented default folders, if unchanged, are Users<username>Downloads on Windows 10 and later, /Users/<username>/Downloads on Mac, and /home/<username>/Downloads on Linux. These are Chrome defaults, not guaranteed locations for every browser or customized setup.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Choose whether Chrome asks where each file goes
In desktop Chrome, open Settings > Downloads. You can change the default folder or enable the option to ask where to save each file. Saving automatically is quicker; choosing a destination each time gives you more control. Chrome’s menu labels can change with updates.
For PDFs, the browser may also offer a choice between opening the document in Chrome and downloading it. Choose based on whether you want to view it in the browser or keep a local copy.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Find downloads on iPhone or iPad
Safari
Open the Files app, tap Browse, then tap iCloud Drive > Downloads. For a recent Safari download, you can also tap Safari’s Downloads button near the search field and select the item. See Apple’s instructions for finding downloads on iPhone or iPad.
Chrome
In Chrome, open the page containing the file, tap the file, choose SAVE…, then select Files. If SAVE… is not offered, use Share > Save to Files > Save. Google notes that opening a file in another app can put it in a temporary folder that is deleted when the Chrome window closes; use Save to Files when you want to keep it. See Chrome’s instructions for downloading files on iPhone or iPad.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
If the file seems missing or only opens in the browser
- Check the browser’s Downloads list and the device’s configured download folder.
- If a file opens in a browser tab, look for a save or download command for that file or link. Available commands vary by file type and site.
- On iPhone or iPad, check Files > Browse > iCloud Drive > Downloads; for a recent Safari item, check Safari’s Downloads control.
- If a site does not provide a download option, it may not permit saving that content.
Download safely
Only download files from sources you trust. Chrome specifically advises saving executable files such as .exe, .dll, and .bat only when you trust them. If you are unsure what a download contains, discard it rather than opening it. See Chrome’s guidance on downloading files safely.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
