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Firefox downloads to "Downloads" directory, even though the "ask me" box is checked.

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All downloads within Firefox 112 are going into the "Downloads" directory even though the "Always ask you where to save files" is checked. I downloaded the 113 Beta and the problem is unchanged. I see on the Community site that various download issues have been reported previously but those descriptions seem different than what I'm experiencing.

Also, Sync doesn't seem to do anything in the 113 Beta either. I tried but after 30 mins there were still none of my bookmarks or add-ons/extensions showing.

Stephen Wilson Pensacola, FL [removed email from public]

All downloads within Firefox 112 are going into the "Downloads" directory even though the "Always ask you where to save files" is checked. I downloaded the 113 Beta and the problem is unchanged. I see on the Community site that various download issues have been reported previously but those descriptions seem different than what I'm experiencing. Also, Sync doesn't seem to do anything in the 113 Beta either. I tried but after 30 mins there were still none of my bookmarks or add-ons/extensions showing. Stephen Wilson Pensacola, FL [removed email from public]

James trɔe

All Replies (2)

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try checking the default download location in Firefox's settings, checking the download manager settings, disabling download-related extensions, or creating a new Firefox profile. If none of these work, try reinstalling Firefox

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Hi Stephen, I'm not sure whether the downloading problem is:

  • Firefox doesn't display the file browsing dialog to choose the folder to save in
  • Files DOES display the dialog but the file still ends up in the "Save files to" folder

It's normal for Firefox to start downloading files to your "Save files to" folder while you decide where to save the file. During downloading, Firefox uses a .part file and then when the download has completed, it moves the final to your selected destination.

You can change back to the Firefox 97 method of using the Windows Temp folder for this temporary location. Here's how:

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button accepting the risk.

More info on about:config: Configuration Editor for Firefox. The moderators would like us to remind you that changes made through this back door aren't fully supported and aren't guaranteed to continue working in the future.

(2) In the search box in the page, type or paste browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click the preference to switch the value from false to true


Regarding Sync, maybe this has resolved by now but, if not, could you check the Firefox Account page at https://accounts.firefox.com/ and see whether it shows your beta version being connected?