When Google Chrome browser is having problems downloading files from Google Drive and other locations, it is known to come up with an error message reading “Failed Network Error” or Download Failed: Network.
There could be various reasons for this issue, ranging from corrupted browser cache, incompatible browser extensions to the download being blocked by the antivirus software installed on the computer.
In certain cases, the problem could also be due to presence of virus, malware and rogue adware programs on the computer.
Download Failed Network Error in Chrome
If Google Chrome is unable to download files from due to “Failed Network Error”, you should be able to fix the problem using the following steps.
1. Clear Chrome Cache
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to the browser cache on your computer being corrupted.
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
2. On the browser screen, click on 3-dots menu icon > select Delete Browsing Data option in the drop-down menu.
3. On the next screen, switch to Advanced tab > select All Time as the Time Range and click on Clear Data button.
After clearing browsing date, try to access the webpage and see if you are able to download the file.
2. Update Chrome Browser
Make sure that you are using the latest version of Google Chrome browser on your computer.
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Click on 3-dots menu icon > Hoover mouse over Help and click on About Google Chrome.
3. On the next screen, wait for Google Chrome to check and apply the Updates (if available).
3. Disable Browser Extensions
Sometimes, incompatible browser extensions can block downloads and interfere with proper functioning of the Chrome browser.
1. Open the Google Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Click on 3-dots menu icon > Hoover mouse over Extension > click on Manage Extensions.
3. On the next screen, you can disable extensions by moving the toggle to OFF position and delete extensions by clicking on the Remove option.
After disabling/removing the extensions, restart the browser and try to download the file again.
4. Change Chrome Download Location to Desktop
In certain cases, the problem is due to the path to default save location in the browser settings being incorrect or corrupted.
1. Open Google Chrome > click on 3 dots Menu Icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. On the settings screen, select Downloads in the left pane and click on the Change button in the right-pane.
Note: Make sure “Ask Where to Save Each File Before Downloading” option is turned OFF.
3. On the next screen, select Desktop and click on Select Folder button.
After this, restart the browser and try to download the file again.
5. Reset Chrome Browser
Follow the steps below to Reset Google Chrome to its original or factory default settings and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
1. Open Google Chrome > click on 3-dots icon and select Settings in the drop-down menu.
Note: If you cannot open the browser, open Chrome in Incognito Mode.
2. On the Settings screen, select Reset Settings in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Restore Settings to their original defaults option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, click on Reset Settings button to confirm.
After the Reset process is complete, you should be able to download the file.
6. Edit Hosts File
The problem could be due to the Hosts File on your Windowws computer being modified by virus, malware or a rogue adware program.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run.
2. In the Run Command Window, type C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc and click on OK.
3. On the next screen, double-click on the Hosts File and select to open the file using Notepad.
4. In the Hosts file, delete all lines containing 127.0.0.1 clients2.google.com entry and Save the file.
Note: If Hosts File contains no additional entries, close the editing window without saving the File.
If the Hosts File has been modified, make sure you scan your computer for Malware using Windows Defender or the Antivirus software installed on your computer.
7. Disable HTTPS Scanning
If you are trying to download files from Google Drive and other trusted sources, disabling HTTPS scanning in the Antivirus program should allow the download to proceed.
1. Open the Antivirus Software program > Go to Settings > Advanced Settings.
2. In Advanced settings, disable HTTPS Scanning or Encrypted Connection Scanning option.
Now, try to download the file and see if you are still getting Failed Network error on your computer.
8. Uninstall and Reinstall Chrome
Sometimes, the User Profile in Google Chrome can become damaged or corrupted, causing Network Failed Error and other problems.
The solution for this issue to remove and Reinstall Google Chrome browser on your computer.