This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Download disappears from Download Window after completion

  • 6 majibu
  • 6 wana tatizo hili
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by kece

more options

When I download a file from the internet in Firfeox, the download window stays open after the download is complete but the file name disappears from the window. In previous versions of Firefox the downloaded file would remain visible in the download window after download was complete and I could simply click on it from within the download window and open it. Now, because it disappears from the download window, I have to open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder that contains that newly downloaded file in order to open it, which is a pain. I've enabled the "remember my browsing and download history" in options as suggested in previous answers to this question on the forum, but this doesn't make any difference. Is there some way of making Firefox show the file in the download window after downloading it? Thanks Gaz

When I download a file from the internet in Firfeox, the download window stays open after the download is complete but the file name disappears from the window. In previous versions of Firefox the downloaded file would remain visible in the download window after download was complete and I could simply click on it from within the download window and open it. Now, because it disappears from the download window, I have to open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder that contains that newly downloaded file in order to open it, which is a pain. I've enabled the "remember my browsing and download history" in options as suggested in previous answers to this question on the forum, but this doesn't make any difference. Is there some way of making Firefox show the file in the download window after downloading it? Thanks Gaz

Chosen solution

You're welcome

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (6)

more options

I don't think I've heard of a case where the entries are removed but the files remain. Perhaps the database file which stores your download history has become corrupted? You could try renaming it and have Firefox create a new one and see whether that helps.

(1) Open your personal settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder

Help > Troubleshooting Information > "Show Folder" button

(2) Switch back to Firefox and exit the program (e.g., File > Exit)

(3) Wait a few moments for Firefox to finish updating files in your settings folder, then rename downloads.sqlite to something else, like downloads.old. Alternately, you can delete the file.

(4) You're done with your profile folder and you can restart Firefox now.

Does it make any difference?

more options

You can check the browser.download.manager.retention pref on the about:config page and make sure that it is set to 2.

You probably can still find the downloads in the Download folder in the Bookmarks and History Manager (Library)

  • History > Show All History
more options

Many thanks jscher2000 I tried this but it doesn't seem to have made any difference. Many thanks for your advice though

Regards Gaz

more options

BRILLIANT.... Thanks Cor-el Your suggestion has done the trick. It's back to how it used to be now

Thanks so much Gaz

more options

Suluhisho teule

You're welcome

more options

I am now having this problem and have no idea what to do, I have followed the instructions that had been given for previous posts for this, I have un-installed, re-installed, I have set to default, and still it is doing the same thing. What can be done?