Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Tech News Today
Home»Computer Tips»Google Chrome Blocking Downloads? Here’s How to Stop it

Google Chrome Blocking Downloads? Here’s How to Stop it

Grishma GhaleBy Grishma GhaleFebruary 17, 2022
chrome blocking downloads

Your Chrome is constantly looking after your PC. So, whenever you face issues where Chrome is blocking downloads, it’s because it wants to protect your PC from suspicious files. This also happens when the Safe Browsing with Enhanced Protection mode is on.

But, it doesn’t necessarily mean the blocked files are always unreliable. Sometimes, Chrome might also accidentally block files that are completely safe.

Table of Contents

  • Why Is My Chrome Blocking Downloads?
  • How to Stop Chrome from Blocking Downloads?
    • Turn Off Safe Browsing Mode 
    • Allow Automatic Downloads 
    • Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus 
    • Clear Chrome Cache Files 
    • Update/Reinstall Chrome 
  • How to Unblock Downloads on Chrome?

Why Is My Chrome Blocking Downloads?

Here are a few reasons your Google Chrome is blocking downloads:

  • Chrome thinks the file contains viruses.
  • Chrome assumes the file you want to download might be from an unreliable source. 
  • Chrome is unable to read the file. 
  • The file might want to make system changes.
  • The file is an unauthorized or insecure copy of the software.
  • The download source/website is known for giving access to risky files.

How to Stop Chrome from Blocking Downloads?

Here are a few ways you can stop Chrom from blocking downloads:

Turn Off Safe Browsing Mode 

Since Chrome is able to block downloads when you have the Safe Browsing mode turned on, all we have to do is turn it off. This is a significant step out of all. Please remember that some settings might have a slightly different name depending on the current version of your Chrome. 

  1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper-right corner to access Settings. 
    three-dot-settings
  2. On the new page, click on Security and Privacy from the left panel. You can also access the page quickly by pasting this URL chrome://settings/privacy in the address bar.
  3. Click on Security. This will lead you to a new page where you can see many protection methods, like Enhanced Protection, Standard Protection, and No Protection. 
  4. Select the circle with No Protection. Doing so will display a pop-up option asking you to confirm your action. Click on Turn Off.
    turn-off-safe-browsing

You can now download the files of your choice without any interruption. 

Note: Please apply the above steps only if you’re sure that the download files are safe and are from a verified source. After downloading the files, please immediately turn the Safe Browsing mode back on.

But, if you’re not sure about the integrity of the files, then it’s best to let Chrome block such files for the right reasons.

Allow Automatic Downloads 

If Chrome is blocking or interrupting some automatic downloads, you can alter some settings in Chrome. You can follow these steps to allow automatic downloads: 

  1. Open Chrome settings and click on Advanced from the left panel. 
  2. Click on Downloads. 
  3. Slide the toggle to turn on Ask where to save each file before downloading.
    ask-where-to-save-file-before-downloading
  4. Then, go to the Security and Privacy option and select Site Settings.
    site settings 1
  5. Scroll down and click on Additional Permissions.
  6. Click on Automatic downloads.
    automatic-downloads
  7. Select Sites can ask to automatically download multiple files. 
    sites-can-ask-to-download-multiple-files

Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus 

Sometimes, it might not be Chrome’s fault at all while trying to download files. So, if you still can’t download or the file isn’t opening after download, you can try this solution. Whether you use Windows Defender Firewall or any other antivirus software, you try turning it off. 

Please note that for safety reasons, it’s best to turn this setting back on after downloading files. This is because turning off Firewall might invite unwanted viruses or bugs. Here’s how you can disable Windows Defender Firewall:

  1. Click on the Start option and open Settings. Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Security from the left panel. If you’re on Windows 11, you might notice ‘Privacy & Security’ option. 
  2. Click on Firewall and Network Protection. 
    firewall-and-network-protection
  3. You will see three networks, Domain, Private, and Public. Click on one that has “(active)” beside its name. 
    select-active-network
  4. You will see a new page where you can view additional settings. Under the Microsoft Defender Firewall section, slide the toggle to turn it off. Performing this action might ask for admin permission.
    windows-defender-firewall-off

Clear Chrome Cache Files 

If there is a considerable amount of piled-up browser cache files, it can often crash the browser and may interrupt downloads. So, to fix this, you can try clearing such files that include browser cookies, history, passwords, and such. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open Chrome Settings from the three dots on the upper-right corner. 
  2. Click on Security and Privacy from the left panel. 
  3. Select Clear browsing data. On this pop-up box, you can select what you want to remove, like history, cookies, and cached images and files. You can select what you prefer and the time range as well.
  4. Click on Clear Data.
    clear-browsing-data-clear-data

Please note that doing this step might require you to sign in again. 

Update/Reinstall Chrome 

One of the last but most effective solutions is to either update or reinstall Chrome. Performing this step will eliminate any minor bugs and glitches. Usually, Chrome automatically downloads its new version. However, you can always check for any available updates. 

How to Unblock Downloads on Chrome?

If you downloaded some files but they still appear blocked and you can’t open them, you can follow these steps to unblock them:

  1. Open the Downloads folder on your PC. 
  2. Right-click the downloaded file. 
  3. Click on Properties. 
  4. Select the General tab and then click on Unblock below the Security section.
    unblock

Alternatively, if you have multiple files to unblock, you can run a Powershell command. Here’s how you can do it: 

  1. Open Windows Powershell by typing its name in the search bar. 
  2. Then, type the code get-childitem “PATH” | unblock-file. Instead of the “PATH”, you can enter the pathname of the actual location of your downloaded files. 
    unblock-file
  3. Press Enter. 
how-to
Grishma Ghale
  • LinkedIn

As a veteran Apple user, Grishma Ghale is a fan of its products and loves to write about anything iOS/macOS. Besides that, she also writes about other platforms she enjoys, like Windows, Netflix and other productivity software. At TechNewsToday, she tests with multiple Apple or Windows devices and software to write about only the verified solutions for your ease. She has a total of 7 years of experience as a Content Writer/Editor and a Master's Degree in Literature under her belt. It was around 3 years ago that she ventured into learning and writing about Tech. It's because she believes it's almost a necessity, given our relationship with technology today. During leisurely hours, she indulges in afternoon tea while writing poems and short stories, journaling, and reading books. She’s also a coffee lover, a croissant connoisseur, and a singer - a self-proclaimed one of course. You can contact her at grishma@technewstoday.com

Related Posts

Enable secure boot in gigabyte 1

How To Enable Secure Boot on Gigabyte

January 13, 2023
How to use Game Bar on Windows

How to Enable and Use Game Bar on Windows

November 27, 2022
how to take care of computer

19 Ways How You Can Take Care of Your Computer Properly

November 26, 2022
rar-vs-zip

RAR vs ZIP – What’s the Difference

November 7, 2022
usb drive not showing files

USB Drive Not Showing Files on Windows? Here’s What You Can Do

October 31, 2022
Why Am I Lagging So Much

Why Am I Lagging So Much? 16 Ways to Fix a Slow Computer

September 28, 2022
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts
Best-1200W-PSU

8 Best 1200W PSUs for Extreme PC Builds in 2023

May 16, 2023
Best-1000W-PSU

10 Best 1000W PSUs in 2023

May 16, 2023
best-700w-psu

10 Best 700W PSUs for Gaming in 2023

May 14, 2023
You may also like
antimalware service executable high memory

Fix: Antimalware Service Executable High Memory

May 18, 2023
printer-printing-pink

Why is My Printer Printing Pink? 6 Ways to Fix It

May 18, 2023
how to clean usb c port

How to Clean USB-C Port Safely

May 17, 2023
Recommended
Cookie Clicker Garden Guide

Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed

September 26, 2021
monitor no signal

Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix)

November 10, 2022
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
© 2023 TechNewsToday, editor@technewstoday.com | Tech Central Pvt. Ltd.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.