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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 815.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-28T13:29:12+00:00

    Hi Matts,

    Okay, so your Downloads folder must be somehow corrupt.

    Right click the Downloads folder, and choose Properties, then select the Location tab, chose to move that folder to another location on your PC, please be sure to specify a folder location.

    Then restart (not shut down) your PC and go back in and move the downloads folder back to its original location by clicking 'Restore Default' on that location tab.

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-11-29T13:10:18+00:00

    Hi

    Tried that, still having the same problem!

    Matt

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  3. DaveM121 815.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-11-29T13:42:32+00:00

    Hi Matt

    Honestly, this has me stumped, I do not see any logical reason why this is happening

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  4. Craig Long 16,600 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-11-29T16:08:23+00:00

    Did you install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware? That may cause some windows to be blank and some settings to be missing.

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-12-06T14:42:41+00:00

    Hi

    No, I installed Windows 11 by official means using Windows Update on Windows 10.

    My computer is a less than 1-year-old, custom-built gaming PC

    BW

    Matt

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