How to fix
Not Working Download Function in Chrome browser
on Windows

Despite what I want to download, be it an email attachment or mp3 file, nothing happens. Closed and opened the browser again – still the same issue. Microsoft Edge seems to be working fine. I’d appreciate your advice.

Not Working Download Function in Chrome issue is quite a common phenomenon regardless of your operating system – Mac of Windows. It is quite a common occurrence in older as well latter versions of the former operating system. The causes of such phenomenon can be explained from different perspectives.

Since every user uses Chrome browser in their own way, naturally, it gets more customized. Likewise, the download function failure might occur as a result of the browser extensions you use.

If you tend to cram your browser with ample of download accelerators, shady adblockers, and video quality enhancers, it is very likely that they may impose “side effects” on your browser. As a result, the fault for this issue might lie in them.
Alternatively, even if you are aware of browsing hazards, you might still unintentionally pick an invisible web script which might meddle with the smooth download process.

For browser malware prevention purposes, it is useful from time to time to clear browsing data on your Google Chrome or reset browser settings. In order to fix malfunctioning download function in Chrome browser, you should also check your Windows Update status. Let us review the solution methods in more detail.

Option 1. Install Windows Updates

This issue again suggests how it is crucial to keep your system up-to-date.[ref en-1] It does not only contribute to overall immunity of OS against malware[ref en-2], but it may also maintain proper PC performance.

1. Click on the Start button and type updates. Windows 7 and XP users can access Windows Update settings via Control Panel.
2. Afterward, opt for Check for Updates.
3. Makes sure all available updates are installed properly.

Option 2. Clear browsing data

According to users, who encountered this error, clearing browsing data was an effective solution.

1. Open Chrome, click on the three vertical dots on the top right corner of the toolbar.
2. Opt for History.
3. Then click on Clear browsing data on the left side of the window. Depending on your preferences, you can select the type of data and time frame the data will be deleted.

Option 3. Remove Chrome browser user profile

If potentially malicious web scripts settle on the browser and clearing the browser data does not help, remove current Chrome user profile.

1. Open Chrome, click on the three vertical dots on the top right corner of the toolbar.
2. Later on, choose Settings.
3. Under people headline, click on Manage other people.
4. Click on the picture and then on the three vertical dots. Choose Remove this person.
5. This action will remove all current bookmarks extensions, clean browsing data and any other information identifying the user. This is an efficient method of getting rid of adware and other rogue browser files.

Option 4. Reset browser settings

If this method does not work, reset Chrome browser settings.

1. Go to Settings, scroll down until you see Advanced. Click on it and scroll down.
2. At the end, you will see Reset option, click on it. Recovering factory settings will also eliminate files of less aggressive browser hijackers.

Option 5. Check for hardware defects

In case, the download option does not work in other browsers, the fault may lie in damaged or malfunctioning hardware. In that case, “explorer.exe not responding” error[ref en-3] might pop up occasionally. The wrong pair of memory cards might be responsible for this issue.