It’s a very easy thing to download files from the internet no matter which browser you use. However, things may become complicated if the browser like Google Chrome won’t let you download what you need. Sometimes, an error message shows up to tell you the problem, but in other cases, you don’t know what happened and why Chrome won't download files for you.

Google Chrome Won’t Download Files for You

Google Chrome is one of the most famous and popular web browsers people use. They can search for needed information, download files, play online games, watch videos, and do many other things by using the browser. Yet, users may encounter many errors suddenly; for instance, they can’t download or save files using Chrome. The following content explains the error and shows you what you should do to troubleshoot Chrome won’t download files when necessary. Please read carefully!

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As mentioned earlier, people do receive error messages sometimes when they find Chrome download not working. Please take a look at the following 8 common error messages of Chrome not downloading.

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1). NETWORK_FAILED

You may see the network failed error when trying to install something from the Chrome Web Store. Some unwanted software may be blocking your installation.

How to fix failed network error? You should remove/uninstall the certain software and try to install again. If this also failed, you can try to uninstall and reinstall your Chrome.

NETWORK_FAILED

Also, you may run into the “Failed – Network error” message when trying to downloading an internet file on Chrome. At this time, you should go to check your network connection and settings.

2). Download Blocked

If you see the “Failed – Blocked” error message in Chrome, it’s likely that your computer’s security settings blocked the file. Please click here to know why your file is blocked.

3). No File or File Missing

Obviously, the “Failed – No file” or “File missing” error indicates that the file you’re trying to downloading doesn’t exist on this site or has been moved to another section of the site. In this case, you should contact the website owner or try to download the file from another site.

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4). Virus Scan Failed or Virus Detected

The error message “Failed – Virus scan failed” probably appears when your anti-virus software is blocking you from downloading a file. You should check the software to know why the file was blocked.

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5). Disk Full

The Disk full error message points out that your computer doesn’t have enough space to download the file. You should release more free space by deleting unnecessary files/apps or emptying the Recycle Bin.

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6). Insufficient Permissions or System Busy

If Google Chrome won’t download anything and gives the insufficient permissions or system busy error, it means Chrome couldn’t save the file to your computer. At this time, you may:

  • Cancel the download & try again.
  • Right click on the link & select Save link as.
  • Change the download locations.

7). Needs Authorization

The Needs authorization error simply means that you don’t have permission to download the file. You should contact the website/server owner or try to download the file from a different site.

8). Forbidden or Failed – Forbidden

If you see the “Forbidden” or “Failed – Forbidden” error, it also means that you don’t have permission to download the file from the server.

You should visit the website -> sign in or provide some other authentication. If this failed, you need to contact the website/server owner or try to download the file from a different site.

Fixes for Google Chrome Not Downloading Files

1). Clear the Download & Browsing History

One: Clean up computer.

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Copy & type chrome://settings/cleanup into the address bar.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Click Find.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Clean up computer

Two: Clear all history and cache.

  1. Type chrome://settings/clearBrowserData into Chrome address bar.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Check all the items listed.
  4. Click Clear data and wait.
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Three: Reset Chrome.

  1. Type chrome://settings/reset into address bar.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Select Restore settings to their original defaults.
  4. Click Reset settings.

Reset settings

2). Disable Chrome Extensions

  1. Type chrome://extensions/ into address bar.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Disable all third-party download plugins and apps.

3). Disable Hardware Acceleration

  1. Type chrome://settings/system and press Enter.
  2. Disable the feature – Use hardware acceleration when available.
  3. Click Relaunch.

Relaunch

4). Delete Google Registry

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
  2. Type regedit and click OK.
  3. Copy and paste HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google into the address bar.
  4. Right click on Google.
  5. Select Delete and click Yes to confirm.
  6. Restart your computer.

That’s all about what you should do when your Google Chrome can’t download files.

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