How to Fix "Download Failed Network Error" on a Computer

Date:22:57 PM, Oct 10, 2024 Editor：Seraphina

fix-download-failed-network-error

Many people may encounter the "Download Failed: Network Error" when downloading files on a computer, which can disrupt the process and cause inconvenience. This article offers practical tips to resolve this issue.

1. Check Network Connection

Ensure your computer is properly connected to the internet. Test your connection by loading other websites or apps.

Unplug your router and modem, wait 30 seconds, and restart them. This often fixes temporary connection issues.

If you have problems with a wireless connection, try using a wired connection or connect to another Wi-Fi network for testing.

2. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can lead to connection issues. Regularly updating your network drivers ensures stability and avoids download errors. It's recommended to use Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and avoiding installation mistakes.

Download

Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Then click "Scan".

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After the scan is complete, it will show which drivers are missing or need updates. Find the network driver in the results list and click "Update".

Once the update is finished, restart your computer to ensure the updated drivers are active.

3. Reset Network Settings

Press "Win + I" to open "Settings", go to "Network & Internet", and choose "Status" from the left menu.

On the "Status" page, find the "Network reset" option and click it. Confirm the reset, and the system will reset all network adapters and restore default settings.

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After the network reset, your computer will restart, and you'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of your browser, then select "Settings".

Under "Privacy and Security", click "Delete browsing data". In the pop-up window, select the time range "All time", and check the boxes for "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files", and then click "Delete data".

clear-browser-cache-and-cookies

After confirming, the browser will clear all cache and cookies, potentially solving network error issues.

5. Configure Windows Attachment Manager Settings

Press "Win + R", type "gpedit.msc", and hit Enter to open the "Local Group Policy Editor".

Navigate through "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Attachment Manager".

On the right, find the setting "Do not preserve zone information in file attachments", double-click it, and choose "Enabled".

configure-windows-attachment-manager-settings

Once done, click "Apply" and confirm.

6. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Press "Win + I" to open "Settings", select "Update & Security", and then click "Windows Security". Go to "Firewall & network protection" and ensure the firewall settings are correct. Disabling certain download ports in the firewall could lead to network errors.

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Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can block file downloads. Temporarily disable the antivirus and try downloading the file again. If successful, the issue might be related to the antivirus, and you may need to add an exception.

7. Reset Chrome Browser

Open Chrome browser, click the three-dot icon in the top right corner, and select "Settings".

In the left menu, find "Reset settings" and click "Restore settings to their original defaults".

In the pop-up window, click the "Reset settings" button. This will restore Chrome to its default state, resolving potential network errors caused by extensions or settings.