Set Edge Default Download Directory with Regedit

This guide explains how system administrators can configure and enforce a default download directory for Microsoft Edge across Windows machines using the Registry Editor (Regedit). By configuring the appropriate policy in the Windows Registry, organizations can standardize where downloaded files are saved and optionally prevent users from altering the download path.

Registry Configuration Steps

1. Open the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter (or click OK).
3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.

2. Navigate to the Edge Policy Key

In the Registry Editor address bar, navigate to the following path:

• For all users on the machine (Machine-wide policy): HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

• For only the currently logged-in user: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Note: If the Edge key does not exist under Microsoft, right-click on the Microsoft folder, select New > Key, and name it Edge.

3. Create and Set the DownloadDirectory Value

1. Right-click inside the empty space of the Edge folder in the right pane.
2. Select New > String Value (REG_SZ).
3. Name the new value: DownloadDirectory.
4. Double-click the newly created DownloadDirectory value to edit it.
5. In the Value data field, enter the full path of the target directory (for example, C:\CompanyDownloads or C:\Users\Public\Downloads).
6. Click OK to save changes.

4. (Optional) Disable the Download Prompt

To force downloads to proceed directly to the specified folder without prompting the user to choose a location:

1. Right-click in the right pane under the Edge key.
2. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
3. Name the value: PromptForDownloadLocation.
4. Double-click PromptForDownloadLocation and set the Value data to 0.
5. Click OK.

5. Verify the Policy in Microsoft Edge

1. Open or restart Microsoft Edge.
2. Navigate to edge://policy in the address bar.
3. Click Reload Policies.
4. Confirm that DownloadDirectory appears under the Microsoft Edge Policies list with the defined file path and a status of OK.