Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Change WordPress Download Directory?

WordPress is a popular Content Management System (CMS) that powers millions of websites. By default, WordPress saves all uploaded files and media in the wp-content/uploads directory. However, for security and organizational purposes, you may want to change the download directory.

Follow the steps below to change the download directory on WordPress.

Step 1: Create a New Download Directory

The first step is to create a new directory where you want to save all your downloaded files. You can create the folder through your web hosting's control panel or through an FTP client such as FileZilla.

Assuming you want to create a new directory called "mydownloads," here's how to do it on FileZilla.

1. Connect to your website using FileZilla.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation.
3. Right-click anywhere on the right-hand side pane, and select "Create directory."
4. Name the new directory "mydownloads" and press enter.

Step 2: Modify the WordPress Configuration File

The next step is to modify the WordPress configuration file to inform it about the new download directory.

1. Login to your website's cPanel dashboard.
2. Click on File Manager under the "Files" section.
3. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation.
4. Find the "wp-config.php" file and right-click on it.
5. Choose the "Edit" option.
6. Locate the following line of code: define( 'WP_CONTENT_DIR', '/path/to/wp-content' );
7. Replace it with the following code: define( 'WP_CONTENT_DIR', '/path/to/mydownloads' ); Replace "/path/to" with the actual path to your new "mydownloads" folder.
8. Save the changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button.

Step 3: Move Existing Files

If you have existing files in the old download directory, you will need to move them to the new download directory manually. You can do this using File Manager or FTP client.

1. Navigate to the old download directory (wp-content/uploads).
2. Select all the files and folders you want to move.
3. Right-click on the selected files and choose "Cut."
4. Navigate to your new download directory (mydownloads).
5. Right-click anywhere on the right-hand side pane and choose "Paste."

Conclusion

That's it! You have successfully changed the download directory on your WordPress site. By doing this, you have improved your site's security and organizational structure. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes to the configuration file.