Generally, Google Chrome has no problem downloading files. However, sometimes you will encounter a problem accompanied by the message “download failed: network error” or “download failed: network error.” Fortunately, there are some simple ways, and some not so simple ways, to fix this problem. Learn how to fix “Download failed: Network error” in Chrome
Check your internet connection
The first step in troubleshooting this error is to verify that your Internet connection is working properly. To verify this, visit and run a test, making sure nothing is running on your computer except your browser. If you get a result with no spikes to the bottom, there is probably no problem with your Internet connection.
If you get an uneven result, ie large spikes in speed, or very low results (less than 1 or 2 Mbps), then you have a connection problem. The first thing to do is turn off your or proxy if you have one running and if that doesn’t help restart your router
If that doesn’t change anything, then the problem is out of your control and you should contact your internet service provider to see what’s going on.
How to Fix “Download Failed: Network Error” in Chrome
Change download location
If there is no problem with your Internet connection, there could be a problem with the folder you are downloading to. The best way to check is to change the default download folder. We will recap the main steps here.
- In Chrome, select the three dots at the top right of your screen and from the menu that appears, select setting .
- On the next screen, select advanced in the left toolbar and choose downloads in the dropdown menu.
- You will see a new menu in the center of the screen: at the top there is an entry for the Location and a button that says change . Click that button and you’ll be prompted to choose a new location, we recommend creating a new one and calling it “new downloads” or something like that.
With the new download location set, try downloading the file again. If it still doesn’t work, there are a few more things you can try.
Use incognito mode
Another issue causing the “download failed: network error” issue could be that you are running an extension that is interfering with the download. The easiest way to fix that problem is to just use the also known as private browsing.
To activate incognito mode, simply select the three dots at the top right of the screen and click the New incognito window . Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N in any time you are in Chrome.
In the new window, navigate to the page where you found the download and launch it again.
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If Chrome still doesn’t download the file, the next step is to start another browser. There’s plenty to choose from, but two of our favorites are and . Just download the installer for either browser, open it when it’s set up, and then try downloading the file again.
If that doesn’t work either, then the problem isn’t with Chrome, it’s with something else. The first step is to take a look at your antivirus software.
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check antivirus
Antivirus programs sometimes go a bit over the top and block downloads that are otherwise fine, but are tripping up some advanced protocols. To fix this problem, you can either temporarily disable the antivirus suite entirely, usually through an icon in the system tray, or simply disable these advanced features.
The second approach is probably the safest, so it’s best to try it first. However, since every antivirus program is different, you’ll have to navigate on your own. In most antivirus programs, you will need to look for the setting and then go to a menu that is probably called something like advanced .
This is how it looks in ESET antivirus.
There, you will need to find a setting called HTTPS scanning either encrypted connection scan . If it is checked, uncheck it and try the download again. Regardless of whether it works or not, be sure to check it again after you’re done to stay protected.
Update network drivers
Another problem could be that your network driver, also known as a network adapter, is not up to date. To fix it on Windows 7, 8 or 10, just go to the device administrator searching for it or finding it in the control panel, in hardware and sound .
There, look for the entry that says network adapters and open it. You’ll get a list, you’ll find one that says something like “desktop adapter” or has the name of the manufacturer that made your computer or motherboard. Right-click and then select update driver . Windows will take care of the rest.
Reset Google Chrome
With all the above methods exhausted, there is only one thing left to do, namely reset Google Chrome. It’s pretty much the nuclear option, as it will also wipe all your settings and extensions and all other preferences, but it’s the only remaining solution you have.
- To reset Chrome, select the three buttons at the top right of the screen and go to setting .
- On the settings screen, select the tab advanced in the left panel and then reset settings at the bottom of that menu, or scroll down the center menu and look for the configuration reset over there.
- You’ll be prompted to confirm your choice, do so, and then wait for Chrome to work.
You’ll then have a fresh Chrome, which should fix any recurring network error issues. Again, resetting Chrome is pretty drastic, so we recommend trying all other solutions before trying this one.
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