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How to stop your Google Chrome browser from blocking downloads temporarily or permanently

Google Chrome logo on background and smartphone
You can stop Chrome from blocking downloads through the browser's security settings. Anadolu Agency/Contributor/Getty Images
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Chrome's built-in security tools are your first line of defense against online malware, including dangerous websites and malicious downloads. 

Unfortunately, Chrome is sometimes too cautious and can block perfectly safe files, which it believes might be dangerous. 

If you are trying to download a file, but Chrome won't allow it, you can temporarily (or permanently) disable the browser's security. Of course, you should be sure the file is safe before you choose to override Chrome's protection. 

Here's how to do it. 

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How to stop Chrome from blocking downloads

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu at the top right of the window. 

2. In the drop-down menu, choose "Settings."

3. On the Settings page, in the You and Google section, click "Privacy and security."

How to stop Chrome from blocking downloads 1
Go to the Privacy and security section of Chrome's settings to find the Safe Browsing feature.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. In the Privacy and Security section of the main page, click "Security."

5. In the Safe Browsing section, click "No protection (not recommended)" to turn the feature off.

6. Click "Turn off" in the pop-up to confirm you want to do this.

How to stop Chrome from blocking downloads 2
When you turn off Safe Browsing, you are disabling the browser's primary security tool for keeping you safe online.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

7. Download the file that was blocked. 

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Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.