Are you trying to download files, but Chrome refuses to cooperate? Do downloads automatically fail when you try to start them? If so, you might have a problem with your browser, which is preventing you from downloading files on your Windows machine. What is causing it to behave this way?
In this article, we will explore why Chrome stops downloading files and what you can do to fix it.
Why can’t Chrome download files?
Chrome may not download files due to a problem with the source you are downloading from, a conflict with the browser’s cache, insufficient disk space on your computer, an outdated version of Chrome, limitations imposed by IPS, interference of extensions, and restrictions of the firewall or Windows antivirus.
If Chrome stops downloading, update your browser, clear your cache, disable interfering extensions, whitelist your browser on a firewall or antivirus, free up disk space on your computer, change the DNS cache, enable or disable a VPN, restart Chrome, or change the browser profile to fix it.
First, apply preliminary checks
First, try the following basic fixes, which might help you resolve the issue right away:
- Reopen the source from which you are downloading the file and try downloading the files again.
- Restart your browser to rule out errors or temporary problems.
- Disable your antivirus program or whitelist Chrome in Windows Defender. Doing so will ensure that your antivirus software or Windows built-in security does not prevent the download from starting.
- Make sure your internet connection is active and reboot the router once to clear its cache.
- Enable a VPN to ensure that your IP address is not blocked by the website where you are downloading files. If it is already enabled, turn it off and try downloading again.
- Make sure Chrome is up to date. For reference, check out our guide on how to update and check different browser versions.
If the above preliminary checks don’t help, start applying the remaining fixes.
1. Make sure the problem is not coming from the source
Make sure the source you are downloading the files from allows you to download the files. For example, when downloading files from cloud storage, the files may only be viewable, not downloaded. Due to this, Chrome may not be able to start the download. Therefore, it is crucial to rule out this possibility.
To rule out the possibility, download the same file using a different browser. If the file doesn’t download in other browsers, the source is at fault, not the browser. However, if you can successfully download files from another browser but the issue persists in Chrome for this file and other multi-source downloads, continue applying the remaining fixes.
2. Manually start the download process
Sometimes the built-in download button does not redirect you to the download page and the download process does not start. For this reason, you must download it manually to ensure that this is not the case. Right click on the file download link and click Copy the url from the context menu.
Navigate to a new tab in Chrome and paste the download URL there. then press Get into.
If the download process doesn’t start like this, move on to the next solution.
3. Make sure there is enough free storage space on your drive
Chrome may also fail to start the download process if the drive selected as the download location runs out of storage space. In most cases, Windows will notify you when you’re low on disk space, but there are times when it’s not. Therefore, if your disk space is always full, it is recommended that you free up some space.
Also, change the download location in Chrome if your browser is having trouble downloading files to the Windows default download folder.
4. Check profile-specific issues
Chrome not downloading files can also be attributed to the profile you are logged in with. To make sure that’s not the case, try downloading the same file in incognito mode. So click on the three vertical points in the top right corner of Chrome and click the New incognito window option.
Then you can try to download the file again. If the file downloads successfully in incognito mode, switch to a new profile and try downloading again. Successful downloading of the file in a new profile means that your browser profile has a problem. Either the extensions are interfering or the browser settings are to blame.
So either change the profile permanently or keep applying the remaining fixes to resolve the existing profile issue.
5. Clear Chrome Cache
A built up cache can also hinder your browser. Clearing the browser cache often solves most browser problems. This can also fix problems with downloads. Need help clearing your cache? Our guide on how to clear Chrome’s cache and cookies can help. If clearing the cache doesn’t help, try the next solution.
6. Rule out extension interference
Chrome can also be prevented from downloading files due to interference from installed extensions. This is more likely to happen if you are using a download manager. If none of the fixes have worked, make sure that the interfering extensions are not to blame.
The best way to exclude this possibility is to disable each extension and try to download the files. This way, you can identify the main culprit when a download succeeds after a specific extension has been disabled.
Remove the interfering extension from your browser as soon as you find it, and you’ll be good to go. If disabling all extensions doesn’t help, continue to the next step.
7. Make sure there are no DNS issues
You may also be prohibited from downloading files from your browser due to restrictions imposed by your ISP or public network administrator. If you are using a school network, you are more likely to experience this issue. To rule out this possibility, you need to change your DNS. If you’ve never changed DNS before, check out our guide on how to change DNS settings in Windows.
8. Reset or reinstall Chrome
When all else fails, and Chrome still can’t download files, you need to restart or reinstall Chrome. Follow these steps to reset Chrome:
- Click on the three vertical points in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- In the left sidebar, click reset and clean.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Click reset settings.
If that doesn’t work, reinstall Chrome from scratch after removing the current installation.
Download files once again from Chrome
Not being able to download the files we urgently need can be very frustrating. Hopefully, applying the fixes in the list will resolve the problem with Chrome downloads and allow you to download the files again. If none of the fixes work, your last resort should be to switch browsers.