FIX: Download failed Network error in Google Chrome

Vlad Turiceanu
by Vlad Turiceanu
Editor-in-Chief
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming from a solid background in PC... Read more
Updated:
Posted: April 2020
Affiliate Disclosure
  • As popular as it may be, Google Chrome is not flawless. The download failed network error is just one of many.
  • Nevertheless, the failed network error can be most frustrating since it blocks your downloads.
  • To fix the Chrome download failed network error, take a closer look at your security settings and be on the lookout for malware.
  • The failed download error can just as easily be triggered by problematic extensions, so make sure to eliminate them.
Failed – network error in Google Chrome
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Google Chrome is one of the most popular browsers out there. It’s used daily by millions of people, and it’s constantly being developed and improved.

Despite all that, Chrome doesn’t come without errors. One of the most common issues reported by users is the download failed network error.

In most cases, this error is caused by malware, so you should try using a dedicated tool to scan your device. If this doesn’t fix your problem, change the antivirus settings, or modify the Windows Attachment Manager restrictions.

Today we will focus on how to get rid of the Chrome failed network error once and for all.

How do I fix Google Chrome failed Network error?

  1. Try the download in a different browser
  2. Check your security settings
  3. Other general fixes

1. Try the download in a different browser

This error often appears when you try to download a certain file from a certain website, but it can also be spread across multiple file downloads.

The first thing you need to do is to check the download in another browser. In this way, you can establish if the issue is with the file or if it’s specific to Chrome.

If the download works without any problem in other browsers, then the error is specific to Chrome. You’ll either have to continue troubleshooting Chrome, or switch to the error-free browser for good.

switch from chrome to opera

We recommend trying to download the files in Opera, a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable browser.

You can download Opera using the button below (it only takes a couple of minutes). Actually, you can switch from Chrome to Opera similarly easy.

To complete the transition aspect, in Opera’s Settings area you’ll find a Synchronization option. This allows you to import bookmarks, pages, and other data from your default browser.

The transfer time is extremely fast. Further on, you can continue to customize the browser to your needs, by adding icons, sidebars, workspaces, and other extensions.

Opera

Opera

Try Opera and convince yourself of its speedy processes that allow you to download any file within seconds.

DownloadVisit website

2. Check your security settings

  1. Open the antivirus.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. Find Advanced setup, Additional, or Components. (Note: These can differ according to your antivirus software.)
  4. You will see HTTPS scanning or Encrypted connection scanning. Uncheck it.
  5. Now try downloading the file.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, perform a Cleanup to remove harmful software:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Go to Settings > scroll all the way down and click Advanced.chrome advanced settings
  3. Scroll down and click Clean up computer.Failed - Network Error chrome clean up computer
  4. Hit Find and wait for the process to finish.chrome clean up find
  5. After that, check if the download works.

Change settings for Windows Attachment Manager

  1. In the search bar type inetcpl.cpl and hit Enter.inetcpl.cpl
  2. The Internet Proprieties window will appear. Choose the Security tab.failed network error internet proprieties security tab
  3. In the Select a zone to view or change security settings click on Internet and then Custom level…failed network error custom level
  4. Scroll down to Downloads > Miscellaneous > Launching applications and unsafe files and check Enable.launching applications and unsafe files
  5. Hit OK and try to download your file.

Windows Attachment Manager comes with Windows 10 and acts as a guard dog, protecting your PC from malware or unwanted software.

If Windows Attachment Manager decides that the file you are trying to download is not secure, it will automatically block the action.

Don’t forget to revert back to your initial settings after you download the file. Allowing unsafe apps and files on your PC can be harmful.

3. Other general fixes

In the end, you can try some more simpler solutions that don’t always work, but they just might in your case:

  1. Use Incognito mode in Google Chrome.
  2. Reset Chrome settings.
  3. Remove Chrome extensions.
  4. Install the latest Network Drivers.
  5. Check for Chrome updates. how to update Google Chrome
  6. Reinstall Google Chrome.

We hope that one of these solutions helped you get past the Chrome download failed Network error and that you successfully retrieved the files you needed.

If you have any questions or happen to know of other solutions to fix this problem, don’t hesitate to reach for the comments section below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Downloads can fail for numerous reasons, but the most likely is your security settings in your antivirus or firewall.

  • If Chrome is blocking your downloads, it’s possible that you’re downloading them from a suspicious source. Here’s a quick guide to help with Chrome downloads.

  • First, check your security settings, try scanning Chrome for malware, and remove any problematic extensions.

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