Download problems in a browser come in a few flavours: the download doesn't start at all, it starts and then fails partway through, or the browser warns you the file is dangerous. Here's how to address each.

Download doesn't start

If clicking a download link does nothing:

  • Try right-clicking the link and choosing Save link as — this bypasses some JavaScript-based download triggers that might not be working.
  • Check your pop-up blocker. Some download links open a new tab or window first. Make sure pop-ups from that site are allowed.
  • Disable extensions temporarily and try again.

Download starts but then fails

Partial downloads that fail mid-way are usually connection issues:

  1. Check your internet connection is stable.
  2. Pause and resume the download using the download bar or Downloads page (Ctrl + J in Chrome/Edge).
  3. If it keeps failing, try downloading at a different time of day, or on a different network.

Also check that your disk isn't almost full — downloads fail silently when there's no space to save the file.

Browser says the file is dangerous

Chrome and Edge use Google's Safe Browsing to flag potentially harmful downloads. If you see a warning like "This type of file can harm your computer," be cautious — especially for executable files (.exe, .msi) from unknown sources.

If you're confident the file is safe (for example, software from a well-known developer): in Chrome, open the Downloads page with Ctrl + J, click the arrow or three-dot menu next to the download, and choose Keep or Keep anyway.

Antivirus is blocking the download

Your antivirus may quarantine files as they download. Check your antivirus quarantine or notification log. If your antivirus flagged a file you know is safe, you can whitelist the download folder or temporarily pause real-time scanning while you download.

Check download location permissions

In Chrome: go to Settings > Downloads and make sure the download location is a folder you have write access to. Change it to your Documents or Desktop folder if in doubt.

Still having trouble? Tell us which browser you use and what error message (if any) you're seeing.