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Files not Visible in Downloads Folder

Anonymous
2021-11-27T14:13:05+00:00

Since upgrading to Windows 11 I have not been able to see any files in my Downloads folder through an explorer window, both through the 'Downloads' shortcut and through C:\Users\username\Downloads. The Downloads 'shortcut' points to the correct folder, and the same issue is with all the user accounts on the computer

I can see all the files with the Terminal and they behave as normal there. I can also open sub-folders within the Downloads folder in explorer (using their path, or via the Terminal. They can be moved to another folder, and can be seen in Explorer there.

The inability to see files is exclusively a problem with the Downloads folder.

Has anyone else seen similar behaviour?

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

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  1. DaveM121 813.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-27T14:50:51+00:00

    Hi mattsmithuk

    I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    1

    Open your web browser, and in the settings, what is the exact path set for downloaded files?

    2

    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.

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2021-11-27T14:58:47+00:00

    Downloads folder is set to C:\Users\matts\Downloads

    Thanks

    Matt

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. DaveM121 813.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-27T15:04:52+00:00

    Hi Matt

    Thank you for the screenshot, everything in your browser and registry is set correctly.

    On the View menu in File Explorer, if you turn on Hidden Items, can you then see the downloaded files?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2021-11-28T10:47:12+00:00

    No, I have Hidden Items selected

    Thanks

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  5. DaveM121 813.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-28T10:50:40+00:00

    Hi mattsmithuk

    Can you please provide a screenshot of where you can see those files using their path, and also via the Terminal.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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