Instructions to enable safe file downloads on Google Chrome

Chrome automatically blocks risky downloads, protecting your device and account from malware and viruses. In the Google Chrome browser, you can use the Download Restrictions feature to limit downloads, increasing browser security. Then your computer will limit some of the risks when you download files from the network. Below are instructions for enabling safe file downloads on Google Chrome.

How to enable safe file downloads on Google Chrome

Step 1:

First, enter the keyword regedit in the Run dialog box to access.

Step 2:

In the Windows Registry interface, users access the path below.

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesGoogleChrome

If there is no Google key , right-click on Policies and name the new key Google .

From Google keyword, you add a new key Chrome to adjust.

Step 3:

Click on the Chrome key and look at the content next to it, right-click on the white area and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value .

Now you name the new value DownloadRestrictions .

Step 4:

Double click on the DownloadRestrictions value to change it again. Here you change the value with:

1. 0: No special restrictions.
2. 1: Block malicious downloads and dangerous file types.
3. 2: Block malicious downloads, uncommon or unwanted downloads, and dangerous file types.
4. 3: Block all downloads.
5. 4: Block malicious downloads.

We will enter 4 in the value box and then click Apply to save the changes.

To return to default settings, simply delete the DownloadRestrictions value.

Jessica Tanner

Update 22 April 2025