Downloads Folder Missing Windows 11 [FIXED]

The Downloads folder will store everything you have downloaded. How do I deal with the Downloads folder being missing in Windows 11? Reading this passage will help you learn four ways to solve this problem.

Are you facing a frustrating situation where the Downloads folder is missing in Windows 11, and you can't seem to find it in its original place? There could be several reasons for this, such as accidentally changing the default location, deleting the folder, hiding it in Windows 11, or downloading items in Google Chrome or Firefox.

Now, check the File Explorer again and ensure the Downloads folder is not in the following location. Then, move on to apply different methods to restore missing Downloads folder and disappeared items in Windows 11.

Fix 1. Restore Missing Downloads Folder in Windows 11 with Folder Recovery Software

Suppose you accidentally remove the Downloads folder or delete some downloaded items in this folder. In that case, you can check the Recycle Bin to restore or apply professional, free data recovery software for Windows 11.

When you encounter files or folders suddenly missing in Windows 11 and cannot find items that have disappeared anywhere, try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. This recovery tool can restore any items right away without complex steps.

EaseUS recovery tool can restore most files and folders in Windows 11, and you can easily solve issues like the Pictures folder missing in Windows 11 or the Documents folder disappearing. When the Downloads folder or downloaded files are deleted, you can restore deleted pictures, videos, audio, documents, applications and more items with simple steps.

Check the following tutorial and start recovering the Downloads folder now:

Step 1. Run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Choose "Select Folder" under Specify a location. Browse for the location where you lost the folder and click "OK" to scan. 

Step 2. You can search for the target folder or use the Filter feature to find a certain type of files in the folder. 

Step 3. You can preview the recovered folder. Then, click "Recover" and choose a new & secure location on your PC or cloud storage to keep the recovered data. 

Hope the missing folder in Windows 11 is restored successfully with the help of EaseUS data recovery software. Don't forget to share this tool on social media to help more readers solve folders missing in Windows 11!

Fix 2. Solve Downloads Folder Missing Windows 11 with Shell Command

When you find the Downloads folder or the Pictures, Documents, Videos folder is not showing in its original place, you can use a simple command to locate them. Then, change the default location in the properties.

Step 1. Enter the File Explorer and click "This PC".

Step 2. Move the pointer to "This PC" in the location bar and double-click it.

Step 3. Type in shell:downloads, and the File Explorer will bring you to the Downloads folder directly.

Step 4. In the Downloads folder, right-click the folder icon and choose "Properties".

Step 5. Choose the Location tab, and this will show the location of your Downloads folder right now. Click "Restore Default" to restore it to its original location.

Go back to This PC interface; you can see the Downloads folder is back. This method can deal with multiple folder disappeared issues, including Windows 11 Documents folder missing. You can share this straightforward method with more friends!

Fix 3.  Find Disappeared Downloads Folder in Windows 11 from Google Chrome

Have you downloaded something from the internet through Google Chrome or Firefox? The items you download from the browser cannot be shown in the Windows 11 Downloads folder.

Anyway, check the following steps to find the downloaded files in Google Chrome:

Step 1. Click the Chrome icon from the Windows Taskbar to launch it.

Step 2. Click three dots and choose "Downloads".

Step 3. Then, check whether the file you want is in the download history or not. Click three dots and open it in the folder, and you can easily know the specific folder location.

Fix 4. Show Hidden Downloaded Files in Windows 11 File Explorer

Sometimes, the Downloads folder is there but without files. In that case, you should ensure the files are not deleted, then try to show hidden files in Windows 11.

You may accidentally hide the files in the Downloads folder, and it is simple to show hidden files in Windows 11. Just enter the Downloads folder in File Explorer, click "View"> "Show"> "Hidden items".

Then, you'll see all the hidden files in this folder. If Windows 11 is not showing hidden files, you should apply the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover deleted files in Windows 11.

Summary

Don't worry too much about data loss when the Downloads folder disappears from the File Explorer in Windows 11. You can apply the four solutions to solve this issue without losing data.

The fast way to find the missing Downloads folder in Windows 11 is by applying method 2; the shell command will guide you to the folder directly. When you encounter file or folder deletion, we highly recommend you try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Downloads Folder Disappeared Windows 11 FAQs

Try to learn more information about our topic from the FAQs part:

1. Where is the Downloads folder in Windows 11?

Basically, you can find the Downloads folder in Windows 11 easily just by launching File Explorer. Click "This PC," and you'll see the Desktop, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Documents, and Videos folder.

2. Can I restore missing files in the Download folder?

Yes, the missing files may be hidden or deleted from the Downloads folder. You can show hidden files in File Explorer or apply the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover missing files.

3. How do I change the Downloads folder location in Windows 11?

If you find the Downloads folder is not located in the default place in Windows 11, you can open the Downloads folder properties and change the folder location under the Location tab.