On this page
Windows 11 · card W07
Where do downloaded files go in Windows 11?
To the Downloads folder, which File Explorer and Microsoft Edge can both open.
Use this when you downloaded a form, photo or letter and can’t find it.
Path File Explorer Downloads
Open File Explorer: select the folder icon on the taskbar, or press Windows+E.
Select Downloads in the list on the left.
Look for the file’s name, then double-click it to open it.
Just downloaded it in Microsoft Edge? Press Ctrl+J to see recent downloads, then open the file or its folder.
Done when
You can see your file and open it.
Good to know
Downloads missing from the left? Select Home, then the Up arrow by the address bar, and look there.
Official sources for this card
- File Explorer in Windows Microsoft Support
- Find where your browser is saving downloads Microsoft Support
- Keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge Microsoft Support
Windows 11 · card W08
How do I search for a file I can’t find?
Select Search on the taskbar and type part of the name, or a word from the document.
Use this when you remember part of a file’s name, or a word in it, but not where you saved it.
Select Search on the taskbar (or press Windows+S) and type part of the name, or a word from the document.
To see only documents, select the Documents tab at the top of the results.
Or search inside a folder: open it in File Explorer and type in the search box at the top right. It searches that folder and the folders inside it.
Can’t find it? Search from This PC in File Explorer. It’s slower but looks everywhere.
Done when
Your file appears in the results. Select it to open it.
Good to know
Search finds files on your PC and in your OneDrive.
Official sources for this card
- Find your files and apps in Windows Microsoft Support
- Find what you need with Microsoft Search Microsoft Support
- Keyboard shortcuts in Windows Microsoft Support
Windows 11 · card W10
How do I save a file where I can find it again?
Use File › Save As, pick a folder you’ll remember, and give the file a clear name.
Use this when you’re writing a letter or filling in a form and want to be sure you’ll find it later.
In the app, choose File › Save As.
Microsoft Office apps work this way; other apps are similar.
Choose This PC (or Browse), then a folder you’ll remember — Documents is a good home.
Want a new folder for it? Select New Folder in the same window.
Type a clear name in the File name box — “Letter to bank 2026-10” beats “Document1” — then select Save.
Done when
The file is saved with a name you chose, in a folder you know.
Good to know
You can always find it later with W08 Search for a file. If your Documents folder is backed up to OneDrive, the file may show a small cloud or check mark — see W11 What the little clouds and check marks mean (OneDrive) (in the kit).
Official sources for this card
- Save your files Microsoft Support
- Create a new folder Microsoft Support
- Change the default save location in OneDrive for Windows Microsoft Support
Keep the steps on paper
These steps come from Plain Steps: 67 one-page fixes like these for everyday iPhone and Windows 11 jobs, to read on screen or print. Every card has the same shape: the path, numbered steps, how to tell it worked, and when to stop.
One payment, no subscription · 30-day refund, no reason needed · Buying opens Gumroad’s secure checkout. See everything in the kit.
Related free guides
Make the print bigger
Bigger, bolder words on the iPhone and in Windows 11, everything bigger at once, and how to zoom in on one web page.
Read the guideSticky Keys keeps popping up?
A box about Sticky Keys appears, or Shift and Ctrl seem stuck. How to turn it off, and how to stop the box coming back.
Read the guideComputer talking or zoomed in?
A voice reads everything out, or part of the screen is magnified and follows the mouse. How to turn off Narrator and Magnifier.
Read the guideFake virus warning pop-up?
A web page says your computer is infected, with a phone number and a countdown. Don’t call. How to close it, and what to do if you already did.
Read the guide