Chrome Browser Not Downloading

'Chrome not downloading files' is an issue that occurs quite frequently. Given that, here we detail all the potentials fixes for the 'Chrome won't download files' error on your computer, including simple tricks and effective tips. If you have lost files during the fix, don't worry. You can retrieve your browser history, bookmarks, and more using the professional data recovery software - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Chrome Browser Not Downloading Browser
Chrome Browser Not Downloading Windows 7
Chrome Browser Not Downloading

Google Chrome is a lightweight browser that is free to download for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS. Follow this guide to get it downloaded and installed on your system of choice. Note: If you are in China, you cannot download the browser without a VPN. Google Chrome is a fast, easy to use, and secure web browser. Designed for Android, Chrome brings you personalized news articles, quick links to your favorite sites, downloads, and Google Search and Google Translate built-in. Download now to enjoy the same Chrome web browser experience you love across all your devices. Browse fast and type less.

On this page, you'll find two parts of solutions - both simple & advanced to help you fix Google Chrome Not Downloading Files error. If your Chrome is now downloading files, pick any method here to ger rid of this issue on your own:

Workable Solutions	Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Quick Fix	Check internet connection > Restart Chrome > Try to download files again...Full steps
Fix 1. Do Basic Cleaning	Clear history and cache > Run Chrome cleanup tool > Reset Chrome...Full steps
Fix 2. Uncheck Hardware Acceleration	Go to Chrome Settings > Advanced Settings > Uncheck 'Use hardware acceleration when available'...Full steps
Fix 3. Reinstall Google Chrome	Uninstall Google Chrome in 'Apps & features' > Delete all Google folders in Registry > Reinstall Chrome...Full steps
Fix 4. Disable Related Extensions	Open Chrome > Go to 'More' > 'More tools' > 'Extensions' > Disable downloading related extensions...Full steps

Google Chrome Won't Download Files Anymore

'Why won't Google Chrome let me download files anymore? I used to download email attachments, pictures and music very easily. Since last week, it's no longer downloading any type of file from any website. What's the matter?'

Google Chrome is so simple and powerful that everyone loves it. But recently I found that one issue is under heated discussion on some major-related forums: Google Chrome is not downloading files!

After clicking the download button/icon on a web page, the request is not responding. Or, while selecting a location to preserve the download(s), the required download prompt box doesn't appear as usual. After many searches on the internet, Chrome fans said that they still don't find a confirmed solution to solve the problem.

How to Fix Google Chrome Not Downloading Files

According to Google Chrome Help page about how to fix file download errors in Google Chrome, if you get an error message on Chrome when you try to download apps, themes or other files, try to fix the most file download errors with the troubleshooting tips:

Part 1. Simple Tips to Fix Chrome Won't Download Files

Make sure your Internet connection is working normally. Fix Internet stability issues if the connection is unstable
Try to download the file later
Contact the website owner

There, on the linked page, you can find more 'error messages' related to this problem in downloading files with Chrome, such as Chrome network failed, download blocked, no file, virus scan failed, disk full, insufficient permissions, system busy, needs authorization or forbidden. All those errors are responsible for Chrome not being able to download files.

If the easy tips above fail to solve the problem, don't get upset. There are other potential solutions provided below for you to fix the 'Chrome not downloading files' issue.

Part 2. Further Troubleshooting 'Chrome not downloading files' Error

Some people are not so lucky, they can't finish any download in Chrome. What's worse, they fail to download files without receiving a warning or error message indicating where the process went wrong. In this case, it's time to take some further measures. After reading numerous stories telling how people fix the downloading problems in Chrome, we summed up four effective solutions which I hope to be a permanent cure.

Method 1. Do Some Basic Cleaning Works

These are what you can try: clear all history and cache, run Chrome cleanup tool and reset settings to Chrome's original defaults. If you want to keep your Chrome history and cookies, you can backup or export Chrome history and cookies in advance.

To Clear history and cache in Google Chrome:

Step 1. Open Chrome on your computer and go to 'More (three dots)' > 'More tools' > 'Clear browsing data...'.

Step 2. Check the content you want to remove and click 'Clear Data'.

To Run the Chrom cleanup tool:

A Chrome cleanup tool can find and remove harmful software on your computer. Running this tool may solve the 'Chrome won't download files' issue caused by malware.

Step 1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.

Step 2. In the top right corner, click 'More (three dots)' > 'Settings'.

Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom and click 'Advanced'.

Step 4. Under 'Reset and clean up', click 'Clean up computer' > 'Find'.

To reset Chrome:

Step 1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.

Step 2. In the top right corner, click 'More (three dots)' > 'Settings'.

Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom and click 'Advanced'.

Step 4. Under 'Reset and clean up', click 'Restore settings to their original defaults' and then click 'Reset Settings' to confirm.

Attention, resetting Chrome will reset the browser startup page, new tab page, pinned tabs, and more. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. However, other files like your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be saved still. If you want to retrieve cookies but have no backup available, learn how to recover cache files in Google Chrome here.

Method 2. Uncheck Use Hardware Acceleration Option

Step 1. Go to Chrome Menu > Settings > Show Advanced Settings.

Step 2. Under System, uncheck Use hardware acceleration when available.

Step 3. Restart Chrome.

Method 3. Reinstall Google Chrome

To uninstall Google Chrome completely, first, you need to uninstall Google Chrome under Settings, then go to the registry to delete all Google folders.

To uninstall Google Chrome:

Step 1. Click the Windows icon and choose 'Settings (the gear icon)'.

Step 2. Choose 'Apps' > 'Apps & features'.

Step 3. Find and click 'Google Chrome'. Then click the 'Uninstall' button.

To delete All Google Folders in Registry:

Step 1. Press 'Windows + R' and type regedit.

Step 2. Go to 'Computer' > 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER' > 'Software'.

Step 3. Find and right-click 'Google' then choose 'Delete'.

Step 4. Go to the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE' folder and click 'SOFTWARE'.

Step 5. Find and right-click 'Google' then choose 'Delete'.

Now you have successfully and completely uninstalled Google Chrome from your computer. Go to Microsoft Store to reinstall Google and see whether the 'Chrome not downloading files' still exists.

Method 4. Disable Download Related Extensions

Disable all extensions that work as download managers since they may interfere with file downloading of Chrome.

Step 1. Open Chrome and go to 'More (three dots in the top-right corner)' > 'More tools' > 'Extensions'.

Step 2. Then you will see all the enabled extensions in your Chrome.

Step 3. Toggle the button to disable downloading related extensions. (The extension shown in the image below is irrelevant to download managers. But you can apply the very same way to disable the extension you need to turn off.)

Extra Tip for Chrome History & Bookmarks Recovery

Some of the fixing methods will restore your browser to its original defaults or delete the Google folder. If the browsing history or bookmarks were unfortunately removed. Don't panic though, we left a data recovery plan for you here, to assist you to recover Chrome history in Windows and restore Chrome bookmarks on Mac.

Since Google has a temporary folder that stores some cache files related to browsing history and bookmarks, you can use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, the most powerful third-party hard drive recovery software to restore missing or lost Chrome data from its temporary folder, even the folder has been deleted on a local disk.

Step 1. Select a location to scan.

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, hover on the partition, external hard drive, USB, or memory card from which you want to perform data recovery, and then click 'Scan'.

Step 2. Select the files you want to recover.

Wait until the scanning completes. Afterward, select the lost files you want to recover. If you need, double-click the file to preview its content.

Step 3. Recover lost data.

After choosing the files, click 'Recover' and choose a location on another drive to save the recovered files.

Here we introduce multiple ways to fix Google Chrome not downloading files, including simple tips you can try first and further troubleshooting tips. Hope it works and your favorite browser is getting back to normal.

We usually joke about the fact that everyone uses Internet Explorer or its upgraded version Microsoft Edge Browser to install Google Chrome only. What if Edge gets a bit cranky and doesn’t let you download Google Chrome? That’s what is happening with some Windows 10 users. If you are also facing the issue where Windows 10 is blocking Google Chrome installation, then you are at the right place.

Sometimes, when Chrome is giving you trouble or when you upgrade your PC, you may want to reinstall Chrome. Typically, you would open another browser and proceed to download Chrome. But sadly, the installer gets stuck on ‘Downloading’ or ‘Waiting to Download’ option.

What do you do in such a situation? How do you install your beloved Chrome again? Find the answer here where we tell you how to fix Google Chrome stuck on downloading.

1. Restart Your Computer

It’s a good practice to shut down your computer after using it instead of putting it on sleep or hibernating it. If you are trying to install Chrome on a system that hasn’t been restarted in a while or you recently uninstalled Chrome, you should start by restarting your PC.

2. Set Correct Date and Time

Setting the correct date and time plays a vital role in the proper functioning of your PC. If downloads fail on your system, verify whether your PC has a correct date or not. For that, right-click on the date and time in the taskbar and select Adjust date/time from the menu. In case the date and time are missing from the taskbar, fix it first.

Enable the options for Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. Also, click on Sync now present under Synchronize your clock. Then, try installing Chrome.

3. Download Offline Installer

Typically, when you install Chrome, you download a small installation file. You need an active internet connection to install it fully. If the installation fails, you can try installing it from the offline installer. Download it from the link given below, and once downloaded, click on it to start the installation process.

Download Chrome

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4. Turn off Smart Screen

Windows 10 includes a protective feature called Smart Screen that saves you against phishing and stops you from downloading malicious files. However, sometimes, it stops Chrome from letting you download the normal files too. To fix it, you need to disable Smart Screen on your PC.

For that, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your PC from the Start Menu. Alternatively, press Windows and I keys on the keyboard.

Step 2: Go to Update and Security.

Step 3: Click on Windows Security in the left sidebar and select App & browser control on the right side.

Step 4: Under SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, either select Warn or select Off.

Step 5: Restart your PC and then try downloading Chrome.

5. Enough Storage

If you are unable to download anything from your browser, make sure you have enough storage space on your PC. You can use the Storage Sense feature to free up space.

6. Disable Antivirus

Sometimes, the antivirus software present on your computer also prevents Chrome from installing successfully. If you are installing Chrome after getting it from an authorized source, you should try disabling antivirus for a while. Then try to install Chrome. You can also check your firewall settings and see if something is wrong.

7. Change Download Path

At times, the download path is pointing to an invalid location. Possibly that’s why you are unable to download anything from the Edge browser. To fix it, you have to change its download location.

For that, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Edge browser and click on the three-dot icon at the top. Select Settings from the menu.

Step 2: Scroll down in the General section, and you will find Downloads. Click on Change and choose a valid location.

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#troubleshooting

Click here to see our troubleshooting articles page Downloading

8. Use Internet Explorer

Who would have thought that someone would suggest using the old Internet Explorer as a fix? Well, as they say, old is gold. If the new Edge browser is giving you trouble, Internet Explorer will come to your rescue. It’s pre-installed on your PC. Use the search to find it and then download Chrome using it.

9. Disable S Mode

If you are running Windows 10 S edition, then you can install apps from Microsoft Store only. That might be the reason why Chrome installation is failing for you.

To fix it, you need to convert your PC from Windows 10 S edition to Windows 10 Pro. Then you can install any app. While the process is free and easy, there is a drawback that you cannot go back to the S mode. It’s a one-way journey. So be careful before you take this step.

Here’s how to switch out of S mode in Windows 10.

Step 1: Open Settings on your PC and go to Update and Security.

Step 2: Click on Activation in the left sidebar.

Step 3: Under the Switch to Windows 10 Home or Switch to Windows 10 Pro section, click on Go to the Store.

Note: Do not click on the Go to the Store link under Upgrade your edition of the Windows section.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions.

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Welcome Chrome

Microsoft Edge isn't that bad. However, once you get used to Chrome, it just keeps you tied to the Google services and the convenient features. And that's why it's the first thing we install when we get a new PC. We hope you were able to install Google Chrome on your PC using the fixes mentioned above. In case you like the Edge browser and wondering if you can use it on your phone, here's how it differs from Chrome on Android.

Next up: Once the Chrome is up and running, it might also give you troubles in the future. You can fix those by resetting Chrome. Know from the next link what happens by resetting Chrome.