If you are a novice in terms of using a Mac, have you asked yourself where all your downloaded files go? By default, all your downloaded files go to the Downloads folder. This applies to any downloads made from web browsers like Chrome, Safari, or even from file transfer apps like AirDrop. Since the Downloads folder is the default download destination in Mac, you may want to know how to quickly access it. Below are some of the fastest and easiest ways to get to the folder and access your files.
Where to Find the Downloads Folder
In all Mac computers, the Downloads folder is located in the Home directory where it is aptly named the same, Downloads.
Another way to access it is to use the Finder’s sidebar.
Go to your Mac App Store, download Unarchiver, and install it. Drag your files into the square, blank space on the left side of the software. Click on 'Decompress.' Your files will be extracted. This software can even succeed where Terminal fails. Download Permissions. Make sure it’s Safari 13 by going into the menu bar and clicking Safari About Safari. Open Safari preferences by pressing Command (⌘) + Comma (,).
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- Go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar.
- Check Downloads to make it accessible in the Sidebar.
- To get to the Downloads folder in less than a minute, press the keys Option + Command + L.
How to Change the Download Destination on Your Browser
Although the default file download destination is the Downloads folder, it can be changed on your browser. For instance, on Safari, this is how you do it:
- Open Safari > Preferences > General.
- Under File Download Location, select a different folder where you want to save your entire Safari downloads.
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If you are worried that you might have a hard time looking for your downloaded files once you change the download destination folder, don’t be. In most cases, a Download button will appear in the web browser’s toolbar after every successful download. If you click it, you will see a list of all your recent downloads.
How to Manage Your Downloaded Files
With all the wide assortment of files you’ve downloaded to your Mac, expect your Downloads folder to be very messy. Some files are redundant, while others are nestled with your app installers, photos, and copies of your monthly utility bills.
Sort all your files to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Use the Finder’s column view to filter the files by type or by date. If there are larger files that are no longer needed, delete them.
Keep Your Mac Safe No Matter What You Download
While searching for something online, unnecessary files and applications may be unknowingly downloaded onto your Mac. Sometimes, you also find yourself downloading a plethora of stuff, which you don’t actually use and need.
Now, with all the junk files saved on your computer, it won’t be surprising that in the long run, your Mac becomes slow and inefficient. If you don’t want that to happen, start clearing space. Restore it to its former glory by locating the biggest space hogs using 3rd party cleaning tools like Mac repair app. Once you have identified such files, get rid of them. Your Mac will be thankful if you did.
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Many users have always met some difficulties in opening software on macOS. However, one of the most important new security features of the latest macOS Catalina is that it becomes much more difficult to run software from the internet than before. That’s to say, when you install MAC applications, plug-ins, and installer software from other ways (except for App Store), macOS will check the developer ID signature and notarization status to verify that the software is from a recognized developer and has not been changed.
Therefore, if you try to install an App from other ways, but you have set your Mac to allow Apps only from App Store, you will see the warning message below:
Also, if you try to install an app that isn’t signed by an identified developer, you will see another warning message that the app cannot be opened:
If you encounter these problems when installing certain App, here is the solution for your reference:
How To Open Downloads Folder On Mac
① Find and go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy, and tap the General tab. Click the lock icon in the lower left corner of the screen and then enter your password to unlock Security & Privacy.
② Find and choose “App Store and identified developer” under “Allow apps downloaded from:” option.
③ Run Syncios now, you will see a warning message that says “Example-App can’t be opened…”, just click “OK” option.
④ Go back to Security & Privacy. You will see there is a new message at the bottom, saying “Example-App was blocked from use because…” Now, click “Open Anyway” option to confirm your intent to open or install the app.
⑤ The warning message reappears, and you can see “Open” option this time. Click it and then please do remember to click the unlocked lock to keep the change.
This app won’t be detected as malware again and you can open it on your Mac just as the authorized app.
What’s more, some people will receive the message below, and you can simply solve it by two steps:
1. When you start to run Syncios, just click the “Show in Finder” button, then right-click (or hold control while you click) the procedure and choose “Open” option.
2. Now when the warning box comes back up you’ll have an option to “Open” and then the App will run just as the authorized app.
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