Google Chrome browser can sometimes come up with “Failed Network Error” while downloading files from Google Drive and elsewhere on the internet.
Failed Network Error in Chrome While Downloading
When Google Chrome browser is having problems downloading files from the internet, it usually comes up with an error message reading “Failed – Network Error” or Download Failed: Network.
This problem can be caused due to browser extensions/plugins, antivirus/security software installed on the computer or due to a certain App/program preventing the browser from downloading files.
Also, in certain cases, the problem can also be caused due to presence of Malware and Rogue Adware programs on the computer.
1. Clear Chrome Browsing Data
Start by clearing browsing data to refresh the browser Cache on your computer.
1. Open Chrome browser > Click on 3-dots menu icon > hover mouse over More Tools and click on Clear Browsing Data… option in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, 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. 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.
3. Edit Hosts File
As mentioned above, the problem can also be caused due to the Hosts File being modified by Malware and Adware programs.
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.
4. Reset Chrome Browser
Follow the steps below to disable Chrome Extensions and Reset Chrome browser to its default settings.
1. Open Chrome browser > click on 3-dots Menu icon > select Settings in the drop-down menu.
2. On the Settings screen, expand Advanced tab > select Reset & Clean up tab and click on Restore Settings to their original defaults option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, click on Reset Settings button to confirm.
This will clear all settings, cookies, remove browser extensions and reset Chrome to its original default settings.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Chrome
Sometimes, the User Profile in Chrome browser can become corrupted, causing Network Failed Error and other problems.
1. Open Settings on your computer and click on the Apps icon.
2. On the next screen, click on Apps & Features in the left-pane. In the right-pane, type Chrome in the search bar > click on Google Chrome > Uninstall button.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, click on the Uninstall option to confirm.
After Uninstalling Chrome, download and install the latest version of Google Chrome browser on your computer.