File disappeared from download folder.

dxo144 wrote:

I downloaded a file from the internet, it went into the download folder, when I went back a couple of days later the file was gone from the download folder. Whats up?

Did you look in your recent local snapshots...even without Time machine plugged in , it keeps local snapshots for 24-48 hour depending on available storage

About Time Machine local snapshots: About Time Machine local snapshots - Apple Support

restore items backed up with Time Machine

Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

Check the Trash if you have not emptied the Trash. If you are using Safari and have the Safari default preferences (set to open "safe" file types), then any files downloaded which are part of an archive like .zip, will have the items extracted (aka "opened") and the .zip file deleted automatically. Look for a folder instead of a file in case this happened.