Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Firefox forgets the last used download directory that I set.

more options

I've noticed after updating that Firefox no longer remembers my last save download directory (D:). It seems to reset to the default location (Downloads). I've noticed that checking the "browser & download history" box under settings in the "Clear history when Firefox closes" section also deletes the "browser.download.lastDir" entry under about:config.

This is kind of a small issue, but it is extremely annoying having to constantly set this whenever I close and open a new browser. Is there a way to make sure that entry remains even after clearing my history?

I've noticed after updating that Firefox no longer remembers my last save download directory (D:). It seems to reset to the default location (Downloads). I've noticed that checking the "browser & download history" box under settings in the "Clear history when Firefox closes" section also deletes the "browser.download.lastDir" entry under about:config. This is kind of a small issue, but it is extremely annoying having to constantly set this whenever I close and open a new browser. Is there a way to make sure that entry remains even after clearing my history?

Chosen solution

hello bob_backlund, there's a general regression in firefox 27 that won't allow files to download directly into a root drive. please try to create a subfolder (like D:\Downloads) and set this as default location for downloads...

also see bug #958899.

Read this answer in context 👍 6

All Replies (7)

more options

Firefox Options > General. Look for the Download option. Set it to wherever you want the download to go, or to ask you all the time.

Also, you can Go to the Mozilla Add-ons Web Page (There’s a lot of good stuff here) and search for download sorters. They can sort by web site, file extension, and many other criteria.

more options

I'm not seeing that the browser.download.lastDir pref is reset if I only clear the browser and download history

If you do not keep changes after a restart or otherwise have problems with preferences, see:


Note that clearing "Site Preferences" clears all exceptions for cookies, images, pop-up windows, software installation, passwords, and other website specific settings.


See also:

more options

The value resets upon clearing my browser and download history.

I'll set it to save to "D:" and everything is fine until I either close the browser or clear my history.

more options

Did you check for issues with the prefs.js file that stores the preferences?

more options

I checked, and it's not saving there, either.

I tried searching around a little, and found this thread:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/716616

more options

Chosen Solution

hello bob_backlund, there's a general regression in firefox 27 that won't allow files to download directly into a root drive. please try to create a subfolder (like D:\Downloads) and set this as default location for downloads...

also see bug #958899.

more options

Thanks a lot, that solved the issue.