Steps to fix the 'Download Failed Network Error' error on Chrome

Sometimes, the error message appears immediately when you try to download the file. No matter how many times you try, the download still fails. Although the error message indicates that the problem is with "network", this is not always the case.

The article will explore this error in detail and give you some solutions to solve it.

1. Test Internet connection and speed

You need a stable Internet connection to download the file. For this reason, you should first check that your Internet connection is working and stable.

First, test your WiFi speed with a reliable speed test tool. If your Internet speed is fine, then you might consider resetting your router and refreshing your connection.

2. Modify antivirus settings

Most likely this error is caused by the anti-virus program on your computer. Most antivirus programs include traffic monitoring features such as HTTPS scanning. These features help protect your PC from malware that hides behind secure and encrypted web pages.

However, sometimes this feature can be overworked by blocking all downloads - even if they are not harmful. Try disabling HTTPS scanning or temporarily disabling your antivirus to resolve this issue. Remember to re-enable HTTPS scanning or your antivirus program once the download is complete.

3. Try Incognito Mode

Chrome plugins or extensions that improve your browsing experience. However, they can also limit Chrome's functionality, as an extension can be broken or out of date. In some cases, an extension may suddenly become incompatible with the version of Chrome you are using.

To check if an extension is causing this error, enable incognito mode. This will disable all third-party extensions and allow you to browse the web privately. Try downloading again and check if the problem persists.

If this solves your problem, then one of your extensions is causing this error. A good way to solve the problem is to disable all extensions and then re-enable them - one at a time. This will help you identify the problematic extension.

4. Reset Chrome or try another browser

To resolve this error, you may have to reset Chrome and restore Chrome to its default settings. This will disable all third-party extensions and will clear your cache and cookies. This will not affect your browsing history, saved passwords and bookmarks.

5. Update network driver

The network driver controls the interface between your Windows PC and a certain network. If you are running outdated or corrupted network drivers, this can cause many network connectivity problems.

Updating your network driver can help. Here's how you can do this:

Step 1: Type Device Manager into the Windows Start menu and select Device Manager when it appears.

Step 2: Select the Network adapters option .

Step 3: Right-click on your PC's network driver and select Update driver.

Steps to fix the 'Download Failed Network Error' error on Chrome Picture 1

Step 4: In the next window, select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software . Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

6. Configure Windows Attachment Manager settings

Windows Attachment Manager helps protect your computer from unsafe files that you download or receive via email. If it considers a file unsafe, it will block you from downloading. In this case, you will need to configure the Windows Attachment Manager settings to resolve this issue.

Here's how you can configure Windows Attachment Manager settings:

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run command dialog box .

Step 2: Type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter.

Step 3: Navigate to the Security tab on the Internet Properties window .

Step 4: Click the Custom level button .

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Step 5: In the Security Settings window , scroll down and find the Downloads option . From there, select the Enable button under File download.

Steps to fix the 'Download Failed Network Error' error on Chrome Picture 3

Step 6: Scroll down deeper and find the Miscellaneous option . Next, check the Prompt (recommended) option in Launching applications and unsafe files . Click OK.

Steps to fix the 'Download Failed Network Error' error on Chrome Picture 4

Step 7: Click Apply > OK on the Internet Properties window . Finally, restart the PC to apply the changes.

Hope you are succesful.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 03 June 2021