Downloading Files from the Internet: A Complete Guide for PC Users
How to Download with PC
Downloading is the process of receiving data from the Internet and storing it on your PC. Downloading can help you access various types of files that can enhance your PC experience, such as documents, pictures, videos, apps, extensions, and toolbars. In this article, you will learn how to download files from the web using different browsers, how to find and open downloaded files on your PC, how to change the default download location, and how to protect your PC from malicious downloads.
how to download with pc
Types of Files You Can Download
There are many types of files you can download from the web, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some examples of common file types and how they can benefit you:
Documents: You can download documents in various formats, such as PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. These files can help you view, edit, or print information for personal or professional purposes.
Pictures: You can download pictures in various formats, such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc. These files can help you view, edit, or share images for entertainment or communication purposes.
Videos: You can download videos in various formats, such as MP4, AVI, WMV, etc. These files can help you watch, edit, or share videos for education or entertainment purposes.
Apps: You can download apps in various formats, such as EXE, MSI, ZIP, etc. These files can help you install or run programs that can perform various functions on your PC.
Extensions: You can download extensions in various formats, such as CRX, XPI, etc. These files can help you add features or functionality to your browser.
Toolbars: You can download toolbars in various formats, such as EXE, MSI, ZIP etc. These files can help you add buttons or menus to your browser that can provide quick access to certain websites or services.
How to Download on Different Browsers
To initiate a download from a website, you must first click a download link. A link is usually denoted by different-colored text with an underline but it may also be an icon or button. If you want to download a file that does not have a link (such as an audio file or an image), you can right-click on it and choose Save as or Save image as. After clicking a download link or saving a file without a link , the browser will start the download or ask what you want to do with the file depending on the browser you are using. Below are some step-by-step instructions for each browser on how to download files from the web:
Google Chrome
On your computer , open Chrome.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link . Or , right-click on the file and choose Save as.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save image as.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Save as.
The file will be saved in your default download location. You can see the progress of the download at the bottom of the Chrome window. You can also click the Show all button to open the Downloads page and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click the file name to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
Mozilla Firefox
On your computer, open Firefox.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link. Or, right-click on the file and choose Save Link As.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save Image As.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Save Audio As.
A dialog box will appear asking you where you want to save the file. You can choose a folder or create a new one. You can also change the file name if you want.
Click Save to start the download. You can see the progress of the download in the Downloads panel. You can also click the Show all downloads button to open the Library window and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click the file name to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
Internet Explorer
On your computer, open Internet Explorer.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link. Or, right-click on the file and choose Save target as.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save picture as.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Save audio as.
A dialog box will appear asking you what you want to do with the file. You can choose to open it, save it, or cancel it. If you choose to save it, you can also change the file name and location if you want.
Click Save to start the download. You can see the progress of the download in the Notification bar at the bottom of the Internet Explorer window. You can also click View downloads to open the View Downloads window and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click Open to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
Microsoft Edge
On your computer, open Microsoft Edge.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link. Or, right-click on the file and choose Save link as.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save image as.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Save audio as.
A dialog box will appear asking you where you want to save the file. You can choose a folder or create a new one. You can also change the file name if you want.
Click Save to start the download. You can see the progress of the download in the Downloads menu at the top right corner of the Microsoft Edge window. You can also click See more to open the Downloads page and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click Open to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
Opera
On your computer, open Opera.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link. Or, right-click on the file and choose Save linked content as.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save image as.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Save audio as.
A dialog box will appear asking you where you want to save the file. You can choose a folder or create a new one. You can also change the file name if you want.
Click Save to start the download. You can see the progress of the download in the Downloads panel at the bottom of the Opera window. You can also click Show all downloads to open the Downloads page and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click Open to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
Safari
On your computer, open Safari.
Go to the site where you want to download the file.
Save the file:
Most files: Click the download link. Or, right-click on the file and choose Download Linked File As.
Images: Right-click on the image and choose Save Image As.
Audio files: Right-click on the audio file and choose Download Audio As.
A dialog box will appear asking you where you want to save the file. You can choose a folder or create a new one. You can also change the file name if you want.
Click Save to start the download. You can see the progress of the download in the Downloads icon at the top right corner of the Safari window. You can also click Show Downloads to open the Downloads window and view all your downloaded files.
When the download is complete, you can click Open to open it. You can also find the file in your Downloads folder or use File Explorer to locate it.
How to Find and Open Downloaded Files
After downloading a file, you may want to find and open it on your PC. There are different ways to do this depending on your browser and settings. Here are some common methods:
Download Manager
A download manager is a feature that allows you to view and manage your downloaded files within your browser. Most browsers have a download manager that shows you the status, location, and name of your downloaded files. You can access your download manager by clicking on a button or icon that usually appears at the bottom or top of your browser window when you start a download. From there, you can open, delete, or move your downloaded files.
Downloads Folder
A downloads folder is a default location where your downloaded files are saved on your PC. Most browsers use this folder unless you change it in your settings. You can access your downloads folder by opening File Explorer and clicking on Downloads under Quick access or This PC. From there, you can open, delete, or move your downloaded files.
File Explorer
A file explorer is a tool that allows you to browse and manage your files and folders on your PC. You can use File Explorer to find and open any downloaded file on your PC, regardless of where it is saved. You can access File Explorer by clicking on its icon on your taskbar or by pressing Windows key + E on your keyboard. From there, you can navigate to any folder or