Where Do Kobo Desktop Downloads Go? | Quick Path Guide

Guide / By

Kobo Desktop saves books to a hidden user folder; see the Windows and macOS paths below to find those KEPUB files fast.

Kobo’s computer app caches your purchased titles on the hard drive so you can open them without a connection. If you just installed the app or you’re cleaning storage, the first question is simple: where do those files land? This guide shows the default folders on Windows and macOS, how the paths differ from the Microsoft Store app, and easy ways to reveal or move the cache without breaking reading.

No fluff here; only steps that work.

Default Download Folders On Each System

On Windows, Kobo Desktop stores books inside your user profile under AppData\Local. The subfolder holds a kepub directory with your downloaded titles and a database file that keeps track of reading progress. On macOS, the app uses ~/Library/Application Support with a similar layout. These folders are hidden by design, so they don’t clutter your documents.

Windows: Kobo Desktop Edition Path

For the classic installer from kobo.com, the default path is:

C:\Users\<your-user-name>\AppData\Local\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition\kepub

The path above contains KEPUB files plus a Kobo.sqlite database one folder up. Many users arrive at this folder after enabling hidden items in File Explorer. If the Kobo Desktop Edition folder doesn’t appear, you may be running the Microsoft Store app instead of the classic installer. The Store app uses a different sandboxed location noted later in this guide.

macOS: Kobo Desktop Edition Path

On a Mac, the default folder sits inside your Library:

/Users/<your-user-name>/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition/kepub

Use Finder’s Go > Go to Folder… and paste the path above. The parent folder also contains Kobo.sqlite. If your user Library isn’t visible, hold the Option key while opening the Go menu to reveal it.

Windows Store App Path (Different App)

If you installed “Kobo Books” from the Microsoft Store, Windows places content under the app’s package directory. The download cache lives here:

C:\Users\<your-user-name>\AppData\Local\Packages\KoboInc.KoboBooks_vk8qsnw174y90\LocalState\DownloadedBooks

This is not the same as the classic Desktop Edition. Many how-to posts list the Desktop Edition path only; use the package path above when you’re on the Store build.

Find The Folder Fast On Windows Or Mac

Quick Methods On Windows

  • Open File Explorer and paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition\kepub into the address bar, then press Enter.
  • Or press Win+R, paste the same string, and hit Enter.
  • If you use the Store app, paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\KoboInc.KoboBooks_vk8qsnw174y90\LocalState\DownloadedBooks.
  • Turn on View > Hidden items in File Explorer so AppData appears while you browse.

Quick Methods On macOS

  • In Finder, press Shift+Command+G and paste ~/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition/kepub.
  • Or open Finder, hold Option, click the Go menu, pick Library, then drill down to Application Support > Kobo > Kobo Desktop Edition.

Close Variation: Locate Kobo Desktop Download Folder With Clear Steps

Some readers install more than one Kobo app over time, which can hide the trail. Here’s a short plan to confirm the cache that your current app uses.

Confirm You’re On The Right App

The classic installer from Kobo’s site writes to the Kobo Desktop Edition path. The Store build writes to the Packages path. If you’re not sure which one you have, open Settings > Apps (Windows) and check the entry name. On macOS, open Applications and look for the Kobo app bundle.

Kobo’s help pages describe how the computer app downloads and opens titles. See Read on the Kobo Desktop app for the download action, and the installer notes in Install Kobo Desktop for platform limits.

Reveal Hidden System Folders

Both target folders live inside hidden areas. On Windows, open File Explorer, pick View, and tick Hidden items. On macOS, use the Go to Folder… method or press Command+Shift+. to toggle hidden files.

What You’ll See Inside

Inside the folder you’ll find a pile of .kepub files plus a Kobo.sqlite database one level up. The database stores reading state and library metadata for the desktop app. Deleting random files here can trigger re-downloads next time you sync.

Safe Ways To Move The Cache To Another Drive

The app doesn’t offer a setting to pick another folder for downloads. You can still park the cache on a bigger drive by creating a link that points the original path to a new location. These steps keep the app happy while freeing space.

Windows: Use A Directory Junction

  1. Quit the Kobo app.
  2. Move the folder %LOCALAPPDATA%\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition to your target drive, such as D:\Kobo Desktop Edition.
  3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
mklink /J "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition" "D:\Kobo Desktop Edition"

Relaunch the app. Windows now sends reads and writes to the new drive while the path stays the same from the app’s view.

macOS: Use A Symbolic Link

  1. Quit the Kobo app.
  2. Move the folder ~/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition to an external or secondary drive, such as /Volumes/Data/Kobo Desktop Edition.
  3. Open Terminal and run:
ln -s "/Volumes/Data/Kobo Desktop Edition" "~/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition"

Launch the app again and confirm your books open as usual.

Backup Tips And DRM Notes

Backing up the kepub folder plus Kobo.sqlite captures the desktop library for that machine. If you sign out or delete the app, you can restore the folder and keep local copies in place. Keep in mind that most store purchases use DRM. Kobo explains your options in Download books to export, including when Adobe Digital Editions is needed to open a vendor-protected file on a non-Kobo device.

When The Folder Isn’t There

If you can’t find the path listed above, run through these checks:

  • No books downloaded yet: Open the app, go to My Books, and double-click a title so the download completes. The folder appears after the first fetch. Kobo documents this flow under Read on the Kobo Desktop app.
  • Different app edition: If you used the Microsoft Store build, use the package path under Packages\KoboInc.KoboBooks… instead of Kobo Desktop Edition.
  • Different user account: Double-check which user profile is logged in. The cache is per user.
  • Hidden folders still hidden: Turn on hidden items (Windows) or use Go to Folder (macOS).
  • Europe availability: Kobo notes a regional limit for the desktop utility. If the app isn’t offered in your region, manage content on the device or mobile app instead.

What Files Kobo Desktop Downloads

The desktop reader pulls a KEPUB rendition plus thumbnails and a small SQLite database. The KEPUB format is Kobo’s flavor of EPUB with extra features such as advanced hyphenation and reading stats. The database maps your account email to local items and stores bookmarks, notes, and positions. Clearing the cache erases those local files; your cloud library stays intact.

How Sync Affects The Cache

When you click Sync, the app checks your account, adds any purchases, and removes entries for archived items. Items you haven’t opened may appear as covers only; the content downloads when you open them. You can delete a local KEPUB if you need space and fetch it again later by opening the book cover.

Why Kobo Uses Hidden Folders

System folders like AppData and the user Library keep app data out of your documents so backups stay compact and your desktop stays tidy. These areas allow apps to write caches and settings without permission prompts each time. Hiding the folders also reduces accidental edits that can corrupt databases. You can still reach them in seconds with the shortcuts listed above, so power users get access when needed while casual readers avoid clutter.

Table: Paths And Short Notes

Platform Default Folder Notes
Windows (Desktop Edition) C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition\kepub Enable Hidden items; database one level up.
Windows (Store App) C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Packages\KoboInc.KoboBooks_vk8qsnw174y90\LocalState\DownloadedBooks Sandboxed app; path differs from Desktop Edition.
macOS ~/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition/kepub Use Go to Folder in Finder.

Troubleshooting: Common Errors And Fixes

“Access Denied” While Opening The Folder

Close the app first. If the message persists, reboot. Disk encryption or antivirus can block a junction or symlink; test with the original path before linking again.

Books Open Blank After Moving The Cache

Open one title while online to refresh licenses. If needed, sign out of the app, sign back in, and let Sync rebuild the database from the cloud.

The Store App Keeps Returning

Uninstall the Store build, then install the classic Desktop Edition from Kobo’s site. The installer page linked above lists current support notes and platform caveats.

Good Housekeeping For Your Library

  • Keep a dated backup: Zip the folder and the database any time you do a big sync.
  • Prune local copies: Delete KEPUBs you’ve finished; open the cover later to fetch them again.
  • Watch your drive: Large series can fill the cache. Link the folder to a larger volume if storage runs low.

Quick Reference

Windows classic installer: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Kobo\Kobo Desktop Edition\kepub. Windows Store build: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\KoboInc.KoboBooks_vk8qsnw174y90\LocalState\DownloadedBooks. macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Kobo/Kobo Desktop Edition/kepub. With the paths in hand, you can back up, tidy up, or move the cache with confidence.