As long as you do not click the download button on the Navigation Toolbar then the Library shouldn't open. You can use customization mode to remove this button permanently from the Navigation Toolbar (drag it off the toolbar to the palette) if you have no use for it.

Firefox 57+ auto-hides the Downloads button on the Navigation Toolbar by default. The Download button should appear on the Navigation Toolbar once you open the Customize window. Note that if you see the Download button in customize mode then left-click this button to see the current auto-hide state and toggle its setting.

Are you clicking the name of the completed download on the panel that drops from the arrow icon on the toolbar? That shouldn't open the Library.

Firefox normally opens the Library window when you click any of the "Show All" commands:

• Show All Downloads
• Show All Bookmarks
• Show All History

If you click the name of a download on the drop-panel, Firefox normally sends the file to MacOS or Windows to open.

If you click the folder icon next to the name of the download, Firefox normally opens Finder or Windows Explorer to that folder and highlights the downloaded file.

Which of those parts is not working normally on yours?

I am clicking on the Arrow icon.

The expected behavior is that it would open my chosen downloads folder. Instead, I get a window that makes me click again and choose another act.

Then, if I intuitively choose "All Downloads", one would suspect that it would do just that, take the user to their chosen downloads folder, but instead, you get a library window. Now I am 3 clicks deep and I still have not opened my downloads folder.

I think I am like most people, I download something to my downloads folder, so I can then move it and put it in it's proper folder. Since the windows that appear in most operating systems do not let you easily browse (or browse as normal) when attempting to save a file or create a directory structure, it is much much easier to use the downloads folder as a pool of files, waiting to be filed.

I want to go to my new file and then move it using the OS, to its new home.... without 3 clicks.

Is there a way to do this?

I mean, I know that everyone and their sister is fighting for control of the user at all levels, like Microsoft searching the web when everyone just simply wants to search their computer.... but this is getting WAY out of hand. I feel like user experience is dead, because of the desired increase in clicks and utilization metrics.

I mean, why even give me a choice of where to store my files if this is going to be the interface? Just create some random folder hidden in some obfuscated directory and make me right click and select go to Firefox storage folder. Do you agree that if I chose a folder, then that is where I want to go? Or do you believe that since I chose a folder, you are going to put me where you think I want to go, despite my choice?

I think I am missing something...

Download made during the current session should show in a drop-down list if you click the Download button on the Navigation Toolbar. For older downloads you need to go to the Library or alternatively use a bookmark to open the about:downloads page in a tab or leave this page open in a (pinned) tab. The about:downloads page normally opens if you access all the downloads in a Private Browsing mode window.

bradranks said

I am clicking on the Arrow icon. The expected behavior is that it would open my chosen downloads folder. Instead, I get a window that makes me click again and choose another act.

Recent downloads during your session should appear on a list that drops down when you click the arrow icon. Older downloads appear only in the Library window.

Do you see recent downloads on a list that drops from the arrow icon? For example, right-click an image in this page, then Save Image As..., and it should be added to the list that drops from the arrow icon.

I guess that is my point.

I don't need the additional windows to show me what is already on my computer.

Why do I need my browser to show me system files???

Can you "run as administrator" from any of these windows? No.

This is just a useless impediment and a really poor UX. Can someone pleas just make the download arrow go to the most recent download folder? Please?

bradranks said

This is just a useless impediment and a really poor UX. Can someone pleas just make the download arrow go to the most recent download folder? Please?

I don't know why your Firefox isn't working normally. Right after you download, Firefox animates the arrow to show that a download is now listed. Click the arrow to display the recent download, click the disk icon for that download, the download folder for that download should launch without involving the Library window.

Do you use any downloading add-ons that could be modifying how Firefox works with downloads?

Here in support we work with the Firefox we have today and can suggest relevant features, settings changes, and workarounds. If those are unsatisfactory, you can submit comments and suggestions through one or more of the following links:

• Feedback: https://qsurvey.mozilla.com/s3/FirefoxInput/
• Discourse: https://discourse.mozilla.org/c/firefox-development
• Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/firefox
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Firefox

I don't think Firefox should change the action of the arrow from showing your recent downloads to going somewhere outside of Firefox on the first click, but it's not my call.