The message “Download failed: network error” appears when users try to download something using the Google Chrome browser. The error usually appears when trying to download larger files, but it is not the general rule. The bug has been around for a long time and has bothered users who want to use their browser normally.
Download failed: network error
Google Chrome is not usually the culprit in these scenarios, but in several cases the same file can be downloaded from the same site using a different web browser. Even so, we have prepared several working methods that should help to solve the problem.
What causes the “Download error”: Network error “?
The thing that causes almost all Chrome downloads to fail is usually the antivirus, what should be replaced, especially if you use a free version. The alternative is to disable HTTP port control or antivirus to allow downloads to take place.
Sometimes, another program or service is blocking access to the default Downloads folder and you need to change it to another. At the same time, old network drivers can always cause the problem.
Solution 1: disable port checking / HTTP in your antivirus
The frequent cause of the problem is that your antivirus unnecessarily scans certified sites, which slows down the file request procedure to the servers, what, indeed, may cause the download to fail: A network error appears in the Google Chrome search engine.
Since the error appears for users using different antivirus tools, Here's how to locate HTTP or Port Scanning alternatives in some of the more popular third-party AV tools.
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Open the antivirus user interface by double clicking on its icon in the system tray (right side of the taskbar at the bottom of the window) or by searching for it in the Start menu.
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HTTPS scan settings are at different points with respect to different antivirus tools. It can often be found easily and without complications, but here are some quick guides on how to find it in the most popular antivirus tools:
Kaspersky Internet Security: Home >> Settings >> Additional >> Network >> Scan encrypted connections >> Do not scan encrypted connections
AVG: Home >> Settings >> Components >> Online Shield >> Enable HTTPS scanning (uncheck)
Avast: Home >> Settings >> Components >> Web Shield >> Enable HTTPS browsing (Mark off)
ESET: Home >> Tools >> Advanced settings >> Web and email >> Enable SSL protocol filtering / TLS (to disable)
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Check if you can now download the file without receiving the Download failed: network error ! If the error keeps appearing, you may consider using a different antivirus or firewall tool, Especially if the one that gives you the problems is free!
Solution 2: change the location of the default downloads
The problem is sometimes not Chrome's fault at all. If the error in question appears when the file has almost finished downloading, it may be a different scenario.
When downloading a file through the Chrome browser, is buffered and copied to the default Downloads folder. Despite this, it is possible that there is something blocking the Downloads folder and you need to change the default download location.
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Open the Google Chrome browser and click on the three horizontal dots at the top right of the browser. Dice “Customize and control Google Chrome” when you hover the mouse over it. This will open the drop down menu.
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Click the Settings option near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Google Chrome Settings
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Scroll to the bottom of this page and click the Advanced button. Scroll down until you see the download section. Click the Change button in the Location option and choose a different folder for Chrome downloads. Commit the changes, restart the browser and see if the error still appears.
Solution 3: install the latest network drivers
If you notice a general slowdown in your computer's overall network speed, there may be a hidden culprit to blame Download failed: network error . It's the network drivers that can seem quite troublesome. You should always try to have the latest version of network drivers on your computer.
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First, you will need to uninstall the network driver that you currently have installed on your PC.
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Scribe “Device administrator” in the search field next to the start menu button to open the Device Manager utility. You can also use the Windows key combination + R to launch the Run dialog. Scribe “devmgmt.msc” in the box and click OK or Enter key.
Execution Device Manager
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Expand the section “Network adapters”. This will show all the network adapters that the PC has working at the moment.
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Right-click on the network adapter you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall device”. This will remove it from the list and uninstall the device. Click on “To accept” when prompted to uninstall the driver completely.
Uninstall the network adapter
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Remove the adapter you are using from your computer and navigate to the manufacturer's page to see the list of drivers available for your operating system.. Choose last, save it and run it from the download folder.
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Follow the onscreen instructions to install the driver. If the adapter is external, as a desktop Wi-Fi dongle, make sure it stays disconnected until the wizard asks you to connect it to the computer. Restart the computer and check if the download has failed : The network problem appears after trying to download a file!.
