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Desktop folder now named Downloads

Anonymous
2023-05-25T16:15:33+00:00

This is how the problem arose:

  1. I reformatted my HDD
  2. I installed Windows 7
  3. I upgraded to and installed Windows 10 cleanly
  4. I was using Microsoft Edge to download drivers and programs and what not
  5. I wanted to change the destination of downloads to the Desktop
  6. I read a tutorial online that instructed me to use the function 'Find Target...' (Downloads > Properties > Location > Find Target...) to change the destination of downloads
  7. Unfortunately, instead of using 'Find Target...' to change the destination of downloads, I used the function 'Move...' (Downloads > Properties > Location > Move...) and selected 'C:\Users[username]\Desktop'
  8. After selecting 'Apply' and then 'OK' I noticed that there were now two folders named 'Desktop' within the folder 'This PC'; The folder that was initially named 'Downloads' still had the Downloads icon, though it was now also named 'Desktop'
  9. I tried using the function 'Move...' to remedy the issue by resetting the initial location of the 'Downloads' folder to its default location, to no avail.
  10. Just now, after deciding to check this forum to see if I had received any responses to my comments, I rechecked the folder 'This PC' to find out that both folders, which were named 'Desktop', are now named 'Downloads'
  11. I now have two 'Downloads' folders in 'This PC'
  12. One of the folders has a Downloads icon, whereas the other has a Desktop icon
  13. The location of both folders ('Downloads' with a Downloads icon and 'Downloads' with a desktop icon) is the same: 'C:\Users[username]\Desktop'

I would like to restore the name of the 'Downloads' folder with a Desktop icon, which was initially named 'Desktop', to its default name: Desktop. However, even though the location of the folder is 'C:\Users[username]\Desktop', the name of the folder remains fixed as 'Downloads' and I am unable to edit it.

To be clear, I've seen other posts about this and have followed instructions on going into registry edit/changing desktop .ini files, and I believe that the folders have been reset, but my Desktop folder is still named Downloads and I do not know how to fix it.

EDIT:

So after doing some tinkering, I seemed to have gotten the Desktop/Downloads folders unmerged. When I go to save an image, it'll come up as a separate Desktop/Downloads folder (as pictured below).

HOWEVER, when I go to my File Explorer, it still shows as two folders named "Downloads" (as pictured below)

Does anyone know how to change/fix this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 887.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-05-25T16:47:20+00:00

    Hi Anthony,

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    Click your Start Button, type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

    Click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on.

    Paste this into the Address Bar at the top and hit Enter.

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

    Please provide a screenshot of that Registry Editor page.

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