How to add Downloads to Windows 7 Start Menu

To add the Downloads folder to your Start Menu on Windows 7: Right click on the Start button and select Properties. Under the Start Menu tab, click Customize. Scroll down until you see Downloads, select the “Display as a link” option and click OK. Click OK.

Restore the Downloads icon in the dock

Go to your home folder. Drag the Downloads folder into the Dock. Right click the Downloads shortcut in the dock. Under View content as, choose Fan (if your Dock is at the bottom) or list. Right click the Downloads shortcut again. Under Display content as, choose Folder.