Files are located in the Downloads folder and %AppData% saved files are stored there.
Files are located in the Downloads folder and %AppData% saved files are stored there.
I once believed these locations functioned like endless virtual folders, but now I realize that might not be true. Are they stored in a particular directory such as C:/Windows, or are they directly using the root drive like C: or D:? Also, if not, how do they determine which drive to use for storage? For example, with one SSD and one HDD, you'd likely place the SSD on the HDD to free up space. Confused?
Your downloads folder isn't violating any physical rules—it simply has limited space. You can adjust the storage locations using Windows Explorer. These folders act as connections to other areas.
You can redirect your downloads folder to your D drive, though it's set to the C drive by default. The %appdata% path remains on the C drive.
Both are stored on the default OS drive and can be found in the Users folder. As mentioned, AppData is hidden, but you can reveal it via the folder options. I don't suggest relocating AppData—it could cause bigger issues later, especially if you need to perform a system restore.