The short answer
- 1Telegram Desktop saves to a Telegram Desktop folder in your Downloads.
- 2Right-click a file and choose Show in Folder to find it.
- 3Change the folder and turn off automatic downloads in Settings > Advanced.
In this article
Where files go by default
Telegram Desktop saves files you download into a Telegram Desktop folder inside your computer's Downloads folder. In its settings this default is called "Telegram folder in system «Downloads»". The quickest way to find any one file is from the chat: right-click it and choose Show in Folder on Windows and Linux, or Show in Finder on a Mac.
Telegram Desktop also lists everything you downloaded in a Downloads section of the app, with "View in chat" to jump back to the message each file came from.
Change the download folder
- Main menu (☰)
- Settings
- Advanced
- Download path
Not available on this device.
Not available on this device.
The download path offers three choices:
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Telegram folder in system «Downloads» | The default; files stay until you delete them |
| Temp folder, cleared on logout or uninstall | Good for a shared or borrowed computer: files disappear when you log out |
| Custom folder, cleared only manually | Any folder you choose, such as a work drive |
Switch on Ask download path for each file if you want to choose a folder every time.
Turn off automatic downloads
By default, Telegram Desktop downloads some media on its own, which can fill a disk quietly, especially from busy channels. In the same Advanced settings, Automatic media download has separate settings for In private chats, In groups and In channels. Open each and switch off the types you do not want downloaded, such as large files in channels.
Downloads on Android and iPhone
Phones keep downloaded media in Telegram's own storage, which you manage under Data and Storage, Storage Usage. To have photos and videos appear in your gallery, see auto-saving media to your gallery. To limit what downloads on mobile data, see why Telegram uses so much mobile data.
Next step: voice messages won't record or play.
FAQ
Where does Telegram Desktop save downloaded files?
In a Telegram Desktop folder inside your Downloads folder, unless you changed the download path.
How do I change where Telegram Desktop saves files?
Settings > Advanced > Download path, then choose a custom folder or the temp folder.
How do I stop Telegram Desktop downloading media automatically?
Settings > Advanced > Automatic media download, then switch off types in private chats, groups and channels.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Default
Downloads > Telegram Desktop.
- 2Shared PC
Temp folder, cleared on logout or uninstall.
- 3Disk filling up
Automatic media download off in channels.
Updated
