Put the Downloads folder in your Mac's Dock

Why it happens

A new Mac starts with Downloads in the Dock, but it disappears if it's ever dragged out or the Dock is reset. The Dock only keeps folders on its right-hand side, past the divider line, so a folder dropped among the apps bounces back. Removing it never touched your files: they're all still in the Downloads folder.

How to fix it

1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock, then choose Go > Downloads in the menu bar. You can also press Option-Command-L.

   Finder›Go›Downloads

2. Choose Go > Enclosing Folder, or press Command-Up Arrow. Your home folder opens with the Downloads folder already selected, so you can grab it.

   Finder›Go›Enclosing Folder

3. Drag the Downloads folder down to the Dock and drop it to the right of the divider line, next to the Trash. If your Dock is on the side of the screen, drop it below the line.

4. Click the new Downloads icon in the Dock. Your latest downloads pop up, ready to open.

Still not fixed?

1. Want the newest file first, or a different look? Control-click Downloads in the Dock. Set Sort by to Date Added, and pick Fan, Grid or List under View content as. Display as Folder shows a plain folder icon instead of a pile of files.

2. If the icon jumps back out, you dropped it on the apps side. Drag it again, past the divider line.

3. Can't find Downloads in Finder? Choose Go > Home. The Downloads folder sits in your home folder alongside Desktop and Documents.

4. If downloads from Safari land somewhere else, open Safari, choose Safari > Settings, click General and check File download location.

5. If the Dock forgets Downloads again after every restart, log out and back in once. If it still won't stick, contact Apple Support to check your user account.