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file downloads

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  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by Terry

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Recently pdf files I download are getting saved in my Downloads folder automatically. They are also opened in Adobe Reader as specified in settings. I don't know what version this started with but it didn't always happen. I don't want these files filling up my Downloads folder so how can I prevent this?

Recently pdf files I download are getting saved in my Downloads folder automatically. They are also opened in Adobe Reader as specified in settings. I don't know what version this started with but it didn't always happen. I don't want these files filling up my Downloads folder so how can I prevent this?
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

The preference to reverse the changes will only work temporarily.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1370494

To change the destination folder or enable you to pick a folder, see the answer linked below.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1374319#answer-1501074

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https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/98.0/releasenotes/ Firefox has a new optimized download flow . . . .

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/manage-downloads-preferences-using-downloads-menu Changes to how file downloads are handled in Firefox version 98

  • Firefox no longer asks what to do for each file by default
  • Downloads panel automatically opens
  • Downloaded files are saved to disk
  • Set a default app to open a file type
  • "Always Open Similar Files" option from the Downloads panel
  • Frequently asked questions


You can set this pref to false on the about:config page to prevent opening the download panel on each download.

  • browser.download.alwaysOpenPanel = false

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.

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Chosen Solution

The preference to reverse the changes will only work temporarily.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1370494

To change the destination folder or enable you to pick a folder, see the answer linked below.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1374319#answer-1501074