How to block or unblock downloads in Google Chrome (2023)

If you're concerned about security on the Internet, you may have checked Google Chrome to see what privacy features it offers. Popular browser security measures are numerous, and preventing you from downloading suspicious files from the Internet is one of the things you can do.

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

Keep reading this article to learn all about it.

Unblock downloads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome is known for not only providing a great user experience, but also ensuring safe browsing for anyone with a computer or smartphone. It protects your data by preventing you from downloading, modifying or opening files that contain malware.

Suppose you're still determined to download a particular file because you think it's safe (and browsers can make mistakes, they're not perfect). If so, is there a way to bypass this feature from Chrome. The way you unblock downloads depends on whether it is the website itself that is causing the problem or the file you are trying to download.

How to unblock a website

If Google Chrome has blocked a specific website and you can't download files from it, please do the following.

1. Launch Google Chrome on your computer.
   
2. Choosethree dots iconin the upper right corner to see more options.
   
3. Click onIdeas.
   
4. scroll to searchPrivacy & Security.
   
5. ChooseSecurityand choosestandard protectionon the new page. This means that you are protected from all known dangerous websites, extensions and downloads.
   
6. Check if your downloads are now unlocked. If not, you can opt for them.Without protectionoption, but keep in mind that this setting is not recommended. Unlocking this option may endanger your computer.

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

1. open backPrivacy & SecurityInIdeasand navigate topage setup.
   
2. choose from therepage setup.
3. Click onadditional rightslowpermissions.
   
4. Chooseautomatic downloads.
   
5. Toggle the switch to disable this option:Do not allow any website to automatically download multiple files.
   

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

How to unlock a file

Did you manage to download a file from the Internet but cannot open or unzip it on your computer or smartphone? Here are two ways to override the security feature.

You can do that:

1. open thatdownloadsFolder on your computer or wherever the download file location is.
   
2. Right click on the file you want.
3. ChooseCharacteristicsfrom the popup menu.
   
4. GonnaGenerallytabulate and findunlocklowSecurity.
   
5. Check the box and selectTo use.
   
6. ClickOKto keep your changes.
   

Don't see the Unlock option? So, your Windows OS may not be the reason why your downloaded file is blocked.

If you have downloaded multiple files but they are all locked from being opened, manually unlocking them one by one can take a long time. This is what you can try.

1. Navigate to your taskbar and right click on theBeginGusto.
   
2. Choose from the menu that appearsWindows PowerShell.
   
3. Enter the following:get-childitem „RUTA“ | Unlock-Close. However, instead of the word "path", type (or copy and paste) the name of the path that belongs to the folder that contains the files you want to unlock.
   
4. PressInputand try to access the files.

How to enable downloads in Google Chrome

Google Chrome's default settings allow you to download various files from the Internet. All you have to do is open your browser, find something you want to download, and save the file.

You usually do this by clicking the download link and allowing Chrome to download the file when prompted. Sometimes you may need to right-click on the file and select the "Save As" option. You may also need to select the download folder to save the file to.

Even while your files are downloading, you can pause the download or cancel it entirely if you change your mind.

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

1. Launch Google Chrome on your device and navigate to the top right corner.
   
2. click thatthree dots iconto open a menu with more options.
   
3. ChooseIdeas.
   
4. scroll to find themPrivacy & SecuritySection. In this section, clickSecurity.
   
5. Here you will find three types of protection against malware, data leaks and more.StandardProtection should be selected by default, but you can also select an updated version. However, to enable downloads in Google Chrome, select theWithout protectionPossibility. You should know that it is not recommended as it will not keep you away from dangerous websites. However, you can download the files you want regardless of whether Google Chrome considers them safe or not.
   

Note: Make sure you turn this onStandardProtection after downloading the blocked files.

How to Unblock Downloads in Google Chrome on Android

If you want to unblock downloads using your Android phone, you have two options. You can enable automatic downloads to your smartphone or disallow protection mode.

Follow the steps below to enable automatic downloads.

1. Tap on theChrome-Symbolto start the application.
   
2. Choosethree dots iconin the upper right corner of the screen.
   
3. Scroll down to findIdeasand tap to open the menu.
   
4. To locatepage setupand select it.
   
5. Meetautomatic downloadsand touch the option to open it. Touch switch to turn offask firstspecial feature.
   

To enable unprotected mode, do the following.

1. Open Google Chrome on your mobile device.
   
2. Tap on thethree dots icon.
   
3. ChoosePrivacy & Security.
   
4. Tap onSecure browsing.
   
5. ChooseWithout protectionto allow the download of any type of file.
   

How to Unblock Downloads in Google Chrome on iPhone

If you are 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 might be where the download unlock button is located.

For example, if you want to change your website settings and enable automatic downloads, you will find the "More" button in the upper right corner of the screen. permissions are belowcontent settings.

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions about downloads in Google Chrome? Here are some that can help you.

How to unlock dangerous files in Google Chrome?

You can unlock malicious files on your computer using any of the methods described in the previous sections.

However, you must be 100 percent sure that you are willing to take the risk of possible damage to your data. The file you are trying to unlock may contain a virus that can destroy or leak the information you have on your computer.

Why does Google Chrome block my downloads?

There are several reasons why Google Chrome might block a file you're trying to download.

• The file is not safe even though the website you downloaded it from is marked as safe. You may be able to continue with the download.

• The file contains a virus or other malware that can harm your computer.

• The file may be trying to make unwanted changes to your computer or mobile phone. You may think you are downloading simple software when in fact you require access to essential computing operations.

• Chrome does not recognize the file you are trying to download and cannot access security.

• The file is from a website known to distribute false or malicious files.

How do I stop Windows from blocking my downloads in Chrome?

Chrome settings may not be the problem. If the files you are trying to download are blocked by your operating system, you can try to unlock them using a method in the How to unlock a file section.

Both methods are easy, but Windows PowerShell is most useful when you need to unlock multiple files.

If Windows considers a file you are trying to download to be dangerous, you may see a "Virus scan failed" or "Virus found" message on your screen. If you have an antivirus program installed on your computer, it may have blocked the file and thus prevented you from downloading it.

Download anything but stay safe

Do you really want to unlock your downloads? Chrome is programmed to block certain files on your devices, but it can make mistakes. If you think Chrome is preventing you from downloading files to your computer or smartphone without a valid reason, you can use one of our suggested methods to unlock the files and ensure access to them.

Chrome accidentally blocked secure file downloads? Do you know other unlocking methods? Let us know in the comments section below.