How To Block Or Unblock Downloads In Google Chrome

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If you’re concerned about security on the web, you might have searched around Google Chrome to see what privacy features it offers. The popular browser’s security measures are many, and preventing you from downloading suspicious files from the internet is one thing it can do.

This can be a handy warning in many instances, but what if you want to download the file anyway? Can you uninstall this feature in Google Chrome? Why does it even block you from downloading stuff from the internet?

Keep reading this article to learn all about it.

Unblocking Downloads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome is well-known for enabling not only an excellent user experience but also ensuring safe browsing for anyone with a computer or smartphone. It keeps your data safe by preventing you from either downloading, modifying, or opening files containing malware.

But suppose you’re still determined to download a specific file because you consider it safe (and browsers can make mistakes – they’re not perfect). In that case, there’s a way around this Chrome feature. The way you can unblock downloads depends on whether it’s the website itself that’s causing the issue or the file you’re trying to download.

How to Unblock a Website

If Google Chrome has blocked a specific website and doesn’t let you download files from it, here’s what to do.

1. Launch Google Chrome on your computer.
   
2. Select the three-dot icon in the top right corner to see more options.
   
3. Click on Settings.
   
4. Scroll to find Privacy and security.
   
5. Select Security and choose Standard protection on the new page. That means you’ll be protected from any known dangerous websites, extensions, and downloads.
   
6. Check if your downloads are unblocked now. If not, you can opt for the No protection option, but keep in mind that this setting is not recommended. Unlocking that option may put your computer at risk.

If your downloads are still blocked after you perform these steps, try the following:

1. Once again, open Privacy and security in Settings and navigate to Site Settings.
   
2. From there, choose Site Settings.
3. Click on Additional permissions under Permissions.
   
4. Select Automatic downloads.
   
5. Switch the toggle to disable this option: Do not allow any site to download multiple files automatically.
   

You can also try adding a specific website to the “Allow” list below – just click on the “Add” button on the right.

How to Unblock a File

Have you managed to download a file from the web but can’t open it or unpack it on your computer or smartphone? Here are two ways to overrule the security feature.

You can do this:

1. Open the Downloads folder on your computer or wherever the location of the download file is located.
   
2. Right-click the desired file.
3. Select Properties from the pop-up menu.
   
4. Go to the General tab and find Unblock under Security.
   
5. Check the box and select Apply.
   
6. Click OK to keep your changes.
   

Don’t see the “Unblock” option? Then your Windows operating system may not be the reason your downloaded file is blocked.

If you’ve downloaded multiple files, but they’re all blocked from opening, it can be time-consuming to unblock them manually one by one. Here’s what you can try.

1. Navigate to your taskbar and right-click the Start button.
   
2. From the menu that appears, choose Windows PowerShell.
   
3. Type in the following: get-childitem “PATH” | unblock-file. However, instead of the word “path,” type in (or copy) the path name belonging to the folder where the files you’re trying to unblock are located.
   
4. Press Enter and try to access the files.

How to Enable Downloads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome’s default settings will allow you to download different files from the internet. All you have to do is open your browser, find something you’d like to download, and save the file.

Usually, you’ll do it by clicking on the download link and allowing Chrome to download the file if asked to do so. Sometimes, you may need to right-click the file and select the “Save as” option. You may also need to choose the download location folder where you want the file to be saved.

Even while your files are being downloaded, you can still pause it or cancel the download altogether if you change your mind.

If, for any reason, your Chrome downloads are disabled, follow the instructions below to enable them.

1. Launch Google Chrome on your device and navigate to the upper right corner.
   
2. Click on the three-dot icon to open a menu with more options.
   
3. Select Settings.
   
4. Scroll to find the Privacy and Security section. Under that section, click on Security.
   
5. Here, you’ll find three types of protection against malware, data leakage, and more. Standard protection should be selected by default, but you can select an upgraded version, too. However, to enable any downloads in Google Chrome, select the No protection option. You should know that it’s not recommended since it doesn’t keep you away from dangerous websites. But it’ll allow you to download your desired files, whether or not Google Chrome considers them safe.
   

Note: Make sure you turn on the Standard protection after you’ve downloaded the blocked files.

How to Unblock Downloads in Google Chrome on Android

If you wish to unblock downloads using your Android phone, you have two options. You can enable automatic downloads to your smartphone or allow the “No protection” mode.

To enable automatic downloads, follow the steps below.

1. Tap on the Chrome icon to launch the app.
   
2. Select the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the screen.
   
3. Navigate down to find Settings and tap to open the menu.
   
4. Locate Site settings and select it.
   
5. Find Automatic downloads and tap the option to open them. Tap the toggle to disable the Ask first feature.
   

To turn on the No protection mode, do the following.

1. Open Google Chrome on your mobile device.
   
2. Tap the three-dot icon.
   
3. Choose Privacy and Security.
   
4. Tap on Safe Browsing.
   
5. Select No protection to enable downloading any file type.
   

How to Unblock Downloads in Google Chrome on iPhone

If you’re Team iOS and want to unblock downloads on an iPhone or iPad, you can follow the same steps as for Android devices. The only difference may be where the unblock downloads button is located.

For instance, if you’re looking to change site settings and enable automatic downloads, you’ll find the “More” button in the top right corner of the screen. The permissions will be located under Content Settings.

Additional FAQs

Do you have more questions related to downloads in Google Chrome? Here are a few that may be of help to you.

How Do I Unblock Dangerous Files in Google Chrome

You can unblock harmful files on your computer using one of the methods described in the previous sections.

However, you should be 100 percent sure that you’re ready to take on the risk of possible damage to your data. The file you want to unblock might contain a virus that can destroy or leak information you have on your computer.

Why Is Google Chrome Blocking My Downloads?

There are several reasons why Google Chrome may be blocking a file you’re trying to download.

• The file isn’t secure, although the website you’re downloading from is marked as safe. You might be able to proceed with the download.

• The file contains a virus or other malware that may damage your computer.

• The file may be trying to make undesired changes on your computer or mobile phone. You might believe you’re downloading simple software when it actually requires access to key computer operations.

• Chrome doesn’t recognize the file you’re trying to download and cannot access its security.

• The file comes from a website known for distributing false or malicious files.

How Do I Stop Windows from Blocking My Downloads in Chrome?

Your Chrome settings may not be the issue. If the files you’d like to download are blocked by your operating system, you can try unblocking them using a method from the “How to Unblock a File” section.

Both methods are straightforward, but Windows PowerShell is more useful if you have multiple files to unblock.

If Windows considers a file you want to download dangerous, you may see a “Virus scan failed” or “Virus detected” message on your screen. If you have an antivirus program installed on your computer, it may have blocked the file and, therefore, prevented you from downloading it.

Download Anything but Stay Safe

Are you sure you want to unblock your downloads? Chrome is programmed to block specific files from your devices, but it can make mistakes. If you believe Chrome is stopping you from downloading files to your computer or smartphone without a valid reason, you can use one of our suggested methods to unblock the files and ensure access to them.

Has Chrome mistakenly blocked safe files from being downloaded? Do you know any other unblocking methods? Let us know in the comments section below.