Unable to save to MacBook Air desktop

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, CASRTX!

I understand you're unable to save to your MacBook Air desktop when downloading files in Safari. I'd be happy to provide information to help you address this.

I'd recommend verifying your settings for this by going to Safari > Preferences > General and where it says file download location, you should be able to pick where to save your files.

If you're still unable to save files to your desktop, try starting your Mac in safe mode and test for the behavior there: Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac

If you're able to save to your desktop in safe mode, restart your Mac normally and test again. If you continue to see the behavior in safe mode or it returns after you restart, test in a new user account and let me know what you find: How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac

I hope this helps.

Have a great day!

Is this question about saving downloads and thier location, or saving files in general.

If you are using File> Save from the menubar then which save window do you see, is it

the default window, see below,

or is it the expanded view, see below,

In the default window click on the folder selector next to Where and a menu will drop down where you can select Desktop.

If you want to see the expanded view click the downward pointing arrow to the right of the Where text.

If it is about where downloads are saved then follow the instructions from alma 1090 above.