Is your download stuck halfway through the end, and Google Chrome refuses to connect? Does your download fail automatically? Well, you are not the only one facing this annoying issue. Many Windows computer users prefer Google Chrome; it is their default browser. Daily, people use Chrome to download files without having any problems.
However, Windows users encounter that Chrome can’t download files. It is a big issue if you are in a hurry or have essential work with the file. In this post, I will explain why Chrome can’t download files and the possible reasons. Also, I will share 5 simple ways to fix Google Chrome can’t download files.
Why Can’t Google Chrome Download Files?
Usually, Google Chrome has a default downloader; you don’t need an extra downloader like IDM to download files. Also, Chrome downloads files fast if everything is alright. However, if Chrome doesn’t function correctly or you have any internet speed issues, there may be an issue with the download files.
If your Google Chrome can’t download files, here are possible reasons.
- Slow internet connection.
- Low download speed.
- The slow source server or problem is the website.
- Conflict with cache and cookies.
- Antivirus and firewall blocking.
- Not having enough space on your computer.
- Conflict with VPN.
- Older browser.
- Faulty Google Chrome.
10 Ways to Fix Chrome Not Downloading Files
Here, I will look into these issues, and you can follow the tips to resume your downloads. Check these tips individually and find out which causes the download failure.
Fix 1: Check for Slow Internet Connection
Ensure your internet is working fine because downloading files mostly depends on the internet speed. If you use shared connections, the speed will fluctuate, and you may experience slow website loading and download from time to time. To learn more about Chrome not downloading your files, checking your internet connection and whether it works correctly is the first step.
Go to Fast.com and check your internet speed, including ping. Also, visit another website and check whether it is loading correctly. If your internet speed is slow and it takes time to load any website, you can think that it’s not Chrome browser’s fault; it’s your slow internet to stop downloading files.
Usually, internet connection issues resolve within a few minutes. So wait for a while and check if the download resumes or not. Otherwise, call the ISP provider and let them know about the slow connection. They will figure out what causes the issue and fix the problem ASAP.
Fix 2: Check Your Download Speed
Although your internet speed is alright, ensure your ISP has provided enough download speed. Often, the ISP provider lowers the download and upload speeds to fight against illegal activities that hamper regular downloads.
When you check your internet speed on Fast.com, check the download speed. If you think the speed is low, call your ISP provider and tell them to increase the download speed.
Fix 3: Check the Problems in Source Website
If your internet connection and download speed are okay, but Chrome still can’t download your files, there is a possibility that the problem is in the source website. If the file does not exist on the source site, Chrome can’t download it. Also, if the file is corrupted or the course server has any issues, Chrome can’t still download the file.
To check for any issue with the source website, open the download link in another browser and try downloading the file. If you can’t download the file, that means there is a problem with the source website.
However, try to download another file from a different website. Chrome is having an issue if you can’t download files from another website. If the source site has an issue, wait a while and try again or download the file from another source.
Fix 4: Check if Windows Security Blocks the Download
Using Windows 10 or 11 and configuring the Widows Security will block downloading files with malicious programs, viruses, or ransomware. Also, you can download any crack file. Suppose you don’t download any cracks or files that contain the virus, and you are confident that the file is safe, but Windows Security still blocks it. In that case, you can temporarily turn off virus protection, and Chrome will download it without issues.
Related: How To Protect Your Computer from Viruses (10 Ways)
Fix 5: Check if Your Computer has Enough Space
Did you check if your computer has enough storage for the downloaded file? If your computer doesn’t have storage, Chrome will not download the file. Check the drives, and if you find no space, delete some unnecessary files or videos and try again to download the file.
Google Chrome usually downloads files onto the “Download” folder, and the “Download” folder occupies storage in the “Local Disk” or ‘C” Drive. So ensure your “Local Disk” or “C” drive has enough space.
Fix 6: Delete Unnecessary Extensions
Sometimes specific Chrome extensions can hamper your download process. If you have too many unused extensions, you must disable and delete them. Clearing extensions may help you to download your file smoothly. Here’s how to remove Chrome extensions easily.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click three vertical dots from the upper right corner.
Step 2: Move your mouse to the “Extensions” and go to the “Manage Extensions” option.
Step 3: Check which extensions you don’t need and if you have installed any unknown extensions.
Step 4: Remove them one by one from the extension page.
Now, try to download the file again. If you still can’t successfully download the file, follow the subsequent fixes.
Fix 7: Clear Google Chrome Cache and Cookies
After deleting unused extensions, the cache and cookies may hinder the download if your Google Chrome still can’t download files. Try to clear Google Chrome cache and cookies.
Browser cache consists of small website resources, mainly CSS, HTML, JavaScript, image, and text files. When you first visit any website, Google Chrome starts downloading cache files of that website to speed up the loading process next time. So when you revisit this site, Chrome doesn’t have to download the entire site because it has already downloaded a fraction of the website. This process increases the loading of web pages and user experience.
However, if your Google Chrome accumulates cache and cookies for a long time, the files may hamper the download process. After deleting all cache and cookies from the Chrome browser, your browser will be fresh, and you will be able to download any files. Here’s how you can clear Chrome cache and cookies.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click the three vertical dots from the upper-right corner.
Step 2: Go to “More Tools” and click the “Clear browsing data” option.
Step 3: Select the “All Time” time range from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Make sure the “Browsing history, cookies and other site data, and cached images and files” are selected.
Step 5: If all the options are selected, click the “Clear data” button, and Chrome will delete all the options.
When you delete all Google Chrome cache, history, and cookies, your browser will be fresh, and you can download any file quickly.
Read More: How To Clear Browser Cache (Chrome, Mozilla, Opera, and Edge)
Fix 8: Enable or Disable VPN
Do you use VPN? Is your VPN active right now, and are you trying to download files while the VPN is switched on? Often, VPNs may conflict with the downloading files. If the VPN is activated, the source server may not recognize your computer, and your Chrome browser can’t download the file. Deactivate the VPN first and try again to download the file.
If your Google Chrome can’t download files when you have no VPN activated, it is possible that the source website may not support your country, and you need to use a VPN to download the file. Certain websites do not support all countries downloading files. If your country is one of them, you need to install and activate a VPN to download files from that website.
Fix 9: Update Google Chrome
Are you using older versions of Google Chrome? If you have an older version of Google Chrome, it may hamper the download process, and you need to update it immediately. It could be a bug or specific code malfunctioning in the download process. When you update Google Chrome, you will get new features and functions that help you download files easily. Here’s how to update Google Chrome.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and go to the “Settings” option.
Step 2: Click the “About Chrome” option from the left menu.
Step 3: Check if your Chrome is up to date or if an update is available.
Step 4: Update Google Chrome to the latest version and try downloading the file.
Fix 10: Reinstall Google Chrome
If none of these fixes allow Google Chrome to download your file, you can uninstall Google Chrome and reinstall it. Installing Chrome will make it a new and fresh browser by deleting all settings and cache files. Also, every feature and function will work like a brand-new browser. The new Chrome will allow you to download your file easily. Here’s how to uninstall and reinstall the Google Chrome browser.
Step 1: Click the “Windows” or “Start” icon from the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Type “Control Panel” and select the Control Panel option.
Step 3: Click the “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” option.
Step 4: Check the list of programs and find the Google Chrome browser.
Step 5: Double-click the Chrome browser and click the “Uninstall” button.
Step 6: After uninstalling Chrome browser, go to https://www.google.com/chrome/ and click the “Download” button to get the latest version.
Step 7: After downloading the EXE file, click the installer, and it will download the full version based on your Windows OS and start installing Google Chrome on your PC.
Step 8: After installing Chrome, try to download the file again. This new Chrome browser will download the file without any problem.
Other Fixes You Can Apply
- You can turn off hardware acceleration. It can often restrict the download process.
- Try changing the download location.
- Use incognito window.
- Try using the download-by link. Often, the download button may need to be fixed. So open the link and download the file by selecting the “Save as” option.
- If you are trying to download third-party applications, ensure your computer has permission to download third-party applications.
- Try downloading the file later because the network could often cause a problem.
- Contact the website owner and tell them you can’t download their file. There could be some issues at their end, and they can quickly solve them.
Also Check: How To Make Google Chrome Faster (10 Simple Tips)
Conclusion
If your Google Chrome has no critical issue, it downloads files without a problem. Also, it will notify the issue if it can’t download your file. I have mentioned all possible reasons and solutions. Hopefully, one of the fixes will be helpful to you, and you can download your file. Let us know in the comment section below which fix works for you.
