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Downloading a file means saving a file offered online onto your computer, phone, or tablet so you can open or use it there. It is different from simply viewing a web page: the downloaded file is a separate copy stored on your device.
What happens when you download a file?
You select a download or save control on a website or in an app. The file is transferred to your device, either to its configured default folder or to a location you choose. Google Chrome describes downloading as saving a file or image on your computer or device: Chrome Help: Download a file.
The control varies by content. A file may have a download link; an image may offer a save option; and a PDF that opens in a browser may need a save command. Some sites do not permit downloading certain content, such as videos.
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- Open Chrome and go to the page offering the file.
- Click the download link. For an image, use its save option. If a PDF opens in a browser tab, use the available save option, such as “Save Link As” when applicable. A web page can be saved with Chrome’s “Save Page As” command.
- If Chrome asks where to save the file, choose a folder and select Save. If it does not ask, Chrome uses its configured download folder.
- Open Chrome’s download indicator or select More > Downloads to locate the item. Select its filename to open it in the computer’s default app for that file type.
Choose where Chrome saves downloads
In desktop Chrome, go to Settings > Downloads to change the default folder or enable the option to ask where to save each file. Saving automatically is convenient; choosing a destination each time gives you more control over where individual files go. Menu labels may change with Chrome updates.
#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
Chrome documents these default folders when its download location has not been changed:
- Windows 10 and later:
Users<username>Downloads - Mac:
/Users/<username>/Downloads - Linux:
/home/<username>/Downloads
These are Chrome’s documented defaults, not universal locations for every browser or device configuration. See Chrome’s download instructions for details.
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 downloads
Apple directs users to the Files app. Open Files, tap Browse, tap iCloud Drive, then open Downloads. For a recent Safari download, you can also tap the Downloads button near Safari’s search field and select the item. See Apple Support: Where to find downloads on your iPhone or iPad.
Chrome downloads
In Chrome for iPhone or iPad, open the page containing the file, tap the file, choose SAVE…, then select Files. If SAVE… is unavailable, use Share > Save to Files > Save. Google notes that opening a file in another app may put it in a temporary folder that is deleted when the Chrome window closes; explicitly save it to Files if you want to keep it. See Chrome Help for iPhone and 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 a download is missing or opens instead
- The file opened in a browser tab: Use the browser’s save command for the link or file where available. The right option depends on the file type and browser.
- You cannot find the file: Check the browser’s Downloads list and its configured save folder. On iPhone or iPad, check Files > Downloads; for a recent Safari item, check Safari’s Downloads control.
- The site offers no download control: The content owner or hosting site may not allow downloading that item.
Download safely
Only download files from sources you trust. Google specifically cautions Chrome users to save executable files such as .exe, .dll, and .bat only when they trust the file. If you are unsure what a download contains, discard it rather than opening it. See Chrome Help.
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.
