How to Fix This File Can’t be Downloaded Securely? Google Chrome Error

Last updated: Oct 25, 2025

The “This file can’t be downloaded securely” message in Google Chrome appears when the browser detects that a file download is happening over an unsecured connection, or when the download comes from a source Chrome cannot fully trust. Most often, this happens when a website is loaded over HTTPS, but the file being downloaded is delivered over HTTP — a situation known as mixed content. Chrome blocks these downloads to protect users from tampering, malware, or interception.

In short:

Chrome prevents the download because the file is not being served through a fully encrypted and trusted HTTPS channel.

Why Chrome Shows This Error

Chrome has tightened its mixed content and download security policies over the years, especially since Chrome 86. In 2025, Chrome blocks insecure downloads by default if:

• An HTTPS page links to an HTTP file

• The file is hosted on a server without TLS/SSL

• The certificate is invalid or expired

• The download is redirected through an insecure source

• The domain hosting the file is flagged or untrusted

This protects users by ensuring that files cannot be intercepted or modified during transfer (a common attack method in public Wi-Fi networks).

Who Commonly Encounters This Error

This isn’t just a consumer issue — many professionals also encounter it regularly:

Because Chrome prioritizes security and trust, even legitimate files may be blocked if the delivery path is not fully encrypted.

Why This Error Matters

Leaving this issue unaddressed leads to:

• Users abandoning downloads (UX problem)

• Drop in trust and credibility for your site

• Reduced engagement or conversions (for product files, PDFs, forms, etc.)

• Potential SEO harm if the issue occurs on important landing pages

From Google’s security standpoint:

If the download is not served via HTTPS, it is treated as unsafe — regardless of the file type.

How Does It Affect Your Browsing Experience?

When Chrome blocks a file and shows the message “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely”, it interrupts the normal browsing flow and prevents the file from being saved to your device. While this is a built-in safety mechanism meant to protect users from insecure or tampered downloads, it can also create usability challenges — especially when the file itself is legitimate and the block is triggered by a technical misconfiguration rather than an actual threat. Chrome treats insecure downloads seriously because a file delivered over HTTP (instead of HTTPS) can be intercepted or modified during transfer. Even a safe file can become unsafe if someone tampers with it mid-download on an unencrypted connection.

Real Impact on Users

Impact on Casual Users and Professionals

This issue is especially disruptive for people who rely on frequent downloads:

• SEO professionals downloading reports or tools

• Developers and sysadmins pulling config files or assets

• Designers/marketers downloading media from dashboards or CMSs

• Students and remote workers retrieving course material or resources

In these cases, the message is not just a warning — it’s a productivity blocker

Negative User Experience (UX)

Repeated download errors reduce trust in the site hosting the file. Even when the content is safe, users may assume the website is outdated, insecure, or poorly managed. This can lead to:

• Visitors abandoning the site

• Reduced engagement or conversions

• Fewer repeat visits

In an era where browser security signals influence user confidence, this type of interruption can quietly damage credibility.

Why Chrome Takes a Strict Approach

Chrome’s security model prioritizes encrypted delivery, not just “safe content.” From Google’s perspective:

If the connection is not fully protected during transfer, the file cannot be trusted — even if the file itself is harmless.

This means the cause is often not the file, but the way it is being served (mixed content, expired HTTPS certificate, or a non-secure redirect).

Purpose of This Post

The goal of this guide is to help you understand why Chrome blocks certain downloads and how to fix or prevent the “This file can’t be downloaded securely” message when it appears. While this security warning is designed to protect users from unsafe or tampered files, it often blocks legitimate downloads as well — especially when websites are not fully configured for HTTPS delivery.

This post has three main objectives:

1. Help You Understand the Cause

We break down why Chrome shows this warning, when it triggers, and what it means in practical terms. Understanding the root cause makes it easier to determine whether the download is actually unsafe or simply blocked due to a misconfiguration (like mixed content).

2. Provide Actionable Fixes

You’ll learn simple fixes for users (so you can complete a download when you trust the file) and long-term fixes for site owners to prevent the warning from ever appearing again. This includes both browser-side adjustments and website/server-side corrections.

3. Highlight Security Best Practices

Chrome’s warning is ultimately about protecting users from threats such as malware injection or man-in-the-middle attacks. This post explains why HTTPS delivery is required for files and how proper SSL/TLS configuration ensures safe downloads.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

• What triggers the secure download warning
• When it’s safe to bypass it (and when it isn’t)
• How to stop it from happening again
• How website owners can fully eliminate the error by using secure hosting and file delivery methods

Why Is This a Common Issue?

The “This file can’t be downloaded securely” error has become increasingly common in recent years because web security standards have evolved faster than many websites and file delivery systems. As more sites transition to HTTPS, browsers like Chrome have become far more strict about blocking anything that is even partially insecure — especially file downloads.

The most frequent trigger is what’s known as mixed content:
A web page is loaded over HTTPS, but the file being downloaded is served over HTTP. From a security perspective, this is risky because even if the webpage is secure, the file itself can be intercepted, modified, or replaced during transfer.

Google considers this a direct threat vector for malware, especially on public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks — which is why Chrome blocks it by default.

Why It Happens More Frequently Now

Increased Protection Against Modern Threats

This isn’t just a technical overreaction — attackers often target files-in-transit. If a file is delivered over HTTP, a hacker can intercept and inject malicious code before it reaches the user. This type of attack is common in:

• Public Wi-Fi (airport / hotel networks)

• ISP-level packet inspection

• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks

Chrome prevents this by requiring end-to-end encryption — from the website all the way to the file source.

Why Website Owners See It Often

Even legitimate websites run into this error because:

• Their main site migrated to HTTPS, but download assets didn’t

• Older CMS themes or plugins still reference HTTP links

• Files are hosted on external servers without SSL

• CDN or hosting misconfigurations break the secure chain

This creates a mismatch Chrome flags as unsafe — even if the file itself is harmless.

Understanding the Error Message in Google Chrome

When Chrome displays the warning “This file can’t be downloaded securely”, it means the browser detected that the file is not being transferred through a fully encrypted and trusted HTTPS connection. Even if the webpage itself is secure, Chrome will still block the download if any part of the file delivery chain is insecure — this is known as a mixed content download.

Chrome treats this as a security risk because insecure delivery allows attackers to intercept or modify files mid-transfer, especially on public Wi-Fi or compromised networks.

What Causes the Error?

This warning can be triggered by several different security-related factors. The most common causes include:

1. Mixed Content (HTTPS Page → HTTP File)

This is the #1 reason Chrome blocks downloads. If a secure (HTTPS) website links to a file hosted on an HTTP domain, Chrome considers the file insecure — even if the file itself is safe. This mismatch breaks the secure chain of trust.

2. Insecure or High-Risk File Types

Certain file types are more strictly inspected because they can contain executable code:

• .exe, .msi, .bat (installers/programs)

• .js, .ps1 (scripts)

• .jar, .dll (runtime/executable components)
  Chrome blocks these immediately if not served over HTTPS.

3. SSL/TLS or Certificate Issues

If the site delivering the file:

• Uses an expired or invalid certificate

• Has an incomplete chain of trust (missing intermediates)

• Uses outdated TLS versions (TLS 1.0 / 1.1)

• Redirects through a non-secure endpoint

…the browser treats the download as unsafe.

4. Redirects From HTTPS to HTTP

Even if the initial download link is secure, Chrome will still block it if the request is silently redirected to an insecure server behind the scenes — a common problem when:

• CDNs are misconfigured

• Download links use outdated file hosting endpoints

• External servers do not support HTTPS

5. Antivirus or Firewall Interference

Some antivirus tools use HTTPS inspection to scan files in transit. This acts like a “mini proxy” and can unintentionally break the secure certificate chain. Chrome interprets this as a potential MITM (man-in-the-middle) threat.

6. Website Still Using HTTP Instead of HTTPS

If the entire site or file source is still hosted on plain HTTP, Chrome blocks by default. Google has phased out tolerance for unsecured downloads, especially for executable or installer formats.

The error appears because Chrome cannot verify a secure, end-to-end HTTPS connection for the file. This usually happens due to mixed content, certificate issues, insecure redirects, or risky file types being served without proper encryption.

Types of Files Affected

Chrome doesn’t block all downloads, but it is stricter with file types that could contain executable code or may be tampered with during transfer. The files most commonly flagged are those that can install programs, run scripts, or deliver embedded macros — especially when they are not served over a fully secure HTTPS connection.

• Documents: PDF, Word, Excel, and other document formats may be flagged if the website doesn’t have a secure connection or if the document contains potentially harmful code.

• Executables: Files with extensions like .exe, .bat, or .msi are often seen as security risks because they can execute commands or install software on your computer.

• Images: Though less common, certain image formats (such as .jpg or .png) can be flagged if they are hosted on insecure websites or are embedded with malicious code.

• Other File Types: Files like .zip, .tar.gz, or .rar archives might also be blocked if they are from an unverified or insecure source.

Why does Chrome flag certain files for security reasons? Files with executable properties or those that can potentially run scripts or code on your device are considered more dangerous. When downloading from untrusted or unsecured websites, there’s a higher risk that these files might contain malware, ransomware, or other forms of malicious software. Chrome prioritizes user safety by blocking such downloads.

How the Error Affects Your Downloading Experience

The “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely” error doesn’t just cause inconvenience—it can disrupt your entire browsing and downloading experience:

• Interrupted Downloads: You may experience frequent interruptions, making it impossible to complete essential downloads for work, software updates, or personal use.

• Compromised Browsing Security: Chrome’s security warnings aim to protect your device from potentially harmful content. However, this can also lead to false positives that block files that aren’t inherently unsafe, leading to frustration.

• Impact on Productivity: For those working from home or professionals who rely on downloading files for projects, this error can become a significant productivity hindrance. Whether you’re trying to access critical business files or working with SEO tools, these disruptions can delay work and negatively impact project timelines.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Issue

If you’re encountering the “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely” error in Google Chrome, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue. The following steps will guide you through both basic and advanced fixes.

If you’re encountering the “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely” error in Google Chrome, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue. The following steps will guide you through both basic and advanced fixes.

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure a Stable and Secure Connection
Sometimes, an unstable or insecure internet connection can cause Chrome to flag file downloads as insecure. A weak or fluctuating network may result in incomplete data transfer, triggering the security warning.

How Network Problems Can Affect Download Security
When downloading files over an insecure or intermittent connection, Chrome may perceive the download as incomplete or corrupted, triggering the “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely” error. A stable, secure connection (ideally with HTTPS) ensures the file is downloaded without interruption, minimizing the risk of data breaches or incomplete files.

Step 2: Update Google Chrome

Why Updating Chrome Is Important
Keeping Google Chrome updated is crucial for both security and performance. Outdated versions may have vulnerabilities that can trigger errors like this one, especially if certain security features or protocols are missing.

How Outdated Versions Can Cause Errors
An older version of Chrome may lack the necessary protocols to handle the most recent security updates or file types, resulting in issues when attempting to download files.

Step-by-Step Guide on Updating Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. In the top-right corner, click the three dots (menu icon).

3. Select Help, then click About Google Chrome.

4. Chrome will check for updates automatically. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed.

5. Once updated, restart Chrome and attempt the download again.

Step 3: Disable Your Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

How Security Software Can Interfere with Chrome’s Downloads
Antivirus software or firewalls can sometimes block or flag files as insecure, especially if the file has certain characteristics or comes from a less-known source. These security programs often mistake legitimate files for threats, stopping them from downloading.

Safe Ways to Disable Antivirus/Firewall Without Compromising Security

1. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall: Open your antivirus software or firewall settings and disable them for a brief period while downloading the file.

2. Test the Download: After disabling the security software, try downloading the file again to see if the issue persists.

3. Re-enable Antivirus/Firewall: Once the download is complete, ensure you turn your antivirus/firewall back on to continue protecting your system.

Why Some Files Are Flagged as Insecure by These Programs
Files that are executable (.exe, .msi) or contain unusual code may be flagged by your antivirus or firewall software, even if they are safe. These programs prioritize caution, blocking files that might seem suspicious.

Step 4: Clear Chrome’s Cache and Cookies

How Cached Files Can Cause Issues with Secure Downloads
Cached files and cookies can accumulate over time and potentially interfere with download processes. They may store outdated security information or corrupt files that cause Chrome to flag certain downloads.

Clear the Cache via Chrome Settings

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner.

2. Go to More Tools and select Clear browsing data.

3. In the pop-up window, choose a time range (preferably All time).

4. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

5. Click Clear data.

Benefits of Clearing Cookies and Browsing Data for Better Performance
Clearing your cache and cookies removes outdated information, which can help Chrome run more efficiently and prevent errors like the one you’re facing.

Step 5: Enable or Disable “Safe Browsing” Settings

Google Chrome’s Built-in Security Features
Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature is designed to protect users from malicious websites and harmful downloads. However, in some cases, it may block legitimate files mistakenly. Adjusting this setting can sometimes resolve the issue.

Adjusting Safe Browsing Settings (Settings > Privacy and Security)

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner.

2. Go to Settings > Privacy and security.

3. Under Security, select Standard protection or Enhanced protection.

4. Try downloading the file again after adjusting these settings.

How This Setting May Cause or Prevent Certain Files from Downloading Securely
Enabling Enhanced protection may cause Chrome to be overly cautious, blocking files it deems insecure even if they are from a trustworthy source. Adjusting the setting to Standard protection can sometimes allow the download to proceed without triggering the error.

Step 6: Check File Type and Source URL

If the File Type Is the Issue (e.g., File Extension)
Certain file types, especially executables and scripts, may be flagged by Chrome’s security filters. Double-check the file type you’re trying to download and ensure it is from a reputable source.

How Non-Secure URLs (HTTP Instead of HTTPS) Might Trigger Security Warnings
If the file is hosted on a website that uses HTTP instead of HTTPS, Chrome may block the download as it deems the connection insecure. Always ensure that the website you’re downloading from uses HTTPS to ensure your download is secure.

Steps to Ensure You’re Downloading from Trusted Sources

1. Check the URL of the website to confirm it starts with “https://” and not “http://”.

2. Look for a padlock icon next to the URL, indicating a secure connection.

3. Verify the reputation of the website, especially when downloading executable files.

Step 7: Use Incognito Mode or Try a Different Profile

Isolating Browser Issues by Using Incognito Mode
Sometimes, the issue may be related to your browser settings or extensions. Incognito mode disables extensions and uses default settings, which can help isolate the problem.

How to Use Incognito Mode

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of Chrome.

2. Select New Incognito Window.

3. Try downloading the file in this mode and see if the error persists.

Using a Fresh User Profile for Troubleshooting
If Incognito mode resolves the issue, it may indicate a problem with your regular user profile. You can create a new Chrome profile and attempt to download the file again:

1. Open Chrome and click the profile icon in the top-right corner.

2. Select Add to create a new user profile.

3. Test the download in this new profile.

Preventing Future Errors

Once you’ve resolved the “This File Can’t Be Downloaded Securely” error, it’s important to take proactive steps to prevent the issue from recurring. Below are strategies to help you ensure smooth and secure downloads in the future.

Step 1: Adjust Chrome’s Security Settings for Downloads

How to Allow Certain File Types While Maintaining Security
Google Chrome is designed to protect you from potentially harmful files, but you may need to tweak its security settings to allow certain trusted file types without compromising your safety. By customizing Chrome’s download settings, you can create exceptions for files you know to be safe, like PDFs or image files, while still blocking more dangerous types such as executables.

Creating Exceptions for Trusted Websites and File Types

1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the top-right corner.

2. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security.

3. Under Safe Browsing, ensure Enhanced Protection is selected, which offers more robust security against potentially harmful files.

4. If you need to allow a specific type of file or website, add the URL to the Allowlist or configure your antivirus to trust certain extensions.

By adjusting Chrome’s settings to fit your specific needs, you can avoid security alerts for files you know are safe, without lowering your overall security level.

Step 2: Regularly Update Antivirus and Chrome Extensions

Ensuring Compatibility Between Chrome and Security Extensions
Outdated antivirus software or Chrome extensions can conflict with your browser’s download security protocols. Regularly updating these tools ensures compatibility with the latest version of Chrome and can prevent errors from occurring when downloading files.

How Outdated Extensions Can Lead to Issues
Extensions, especially security-related ones, can sometimes block files or misinterpret the security status of a website or download. If your extensions are outdated, they may trigger errors or prevent safe files from downloading. Make it a habit to update or disable unnecessary extensions to avoid conflicts.

1. To update Chrome extensions, open the Extensions menu from the three dots > More Tools > Extensions.

2. Enable Developer mode at the top and click Update to update all extensions at once.

By keeping your antivirus software and extensions up to date, you can ensure that they don’t interfere with secure downloads.

Step 3: Monitor SSL/TLS Certificates of Websites

How to Ensure Secure Downloads by Checking for Valid Certificates
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are protocols that secure data transferred between websites and users. To avoid errors caused by unsecured websites, always ensure that the websites you are downloading from have valid SSL/TLS certificates.

Tools to Verify SSL/TLS Security (e.g., SSL Labs)
Use online tools like SSL Labs to verify the SSL/TLS certificate of any website before downloading files. A valid certificate will show a “padlock” symbol in the browser’s address bar and an “HTTPS” prefix in the URL, signaling that the website is secure.

To prevent encountering download errors, avoid downloading files from sites without HTTPS or sites that have expired SSL/TLS certificates.

Step 4: Educate Users on Safe Download Practices

Emphasizing the Importance of Avoiding Risky Download Sources
In addition to technical measures, educating yourself and others on safe download practices is essential for preventing future errors. Always be cautious about downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources. Files from unfamiliar websites, especially those without security measures, are more likely to trigger warnings from Chrome.

How Using Sites with Proper Security Measures Helps Prevent Errors

• Look for HTTPS: Always ensure that the website uses HTTPS to protect your data during downloads.

• Check the Reputation of the Website: Avoid downloading files from websites with a questionable reputation. Check reviews, ratings, or third-party sources to confirm that the website is legitimate.

• Use Verified Download Sites: Stick to official download sources, such as developer websites or trusted platforms like GitHub, for any software or files you need.

By staying vigilant and educating users about safe downloading practices, you can reduce the chances of encountering insecure file downloads in the future.

FAQs

What does the “This file can’t be downloaded securely” error mean?

This error appears when Chrome blocks a file download because the connection is not secure (often from an HTTP site or a mixed-content download on an HTTPS site) or the file source is flagged as potentially unsafe.

Why is Google Chrome blocking my download?

Chrome blocks downloads to protect users from malware, viruses, or other harmful software, especially from insecure sources or mixed-content scenarios.

How do I fix the “This file can’t be downloaded securely” error?

• Check the file’s source: Ensure that the website is using HTTPS and the file is hosted securely.
• Update Chrome: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Chrome. An outdated version may lack security fixes.
• Disable Chrome’s Safe Browsing: Temporarily disable Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security and select No Protection. (Not recommended long-term.)
• Check SSL certificate: Ensure that the website’s SSL certificate is valid.
• Try another browser: Sometimes, this error can be specific to Chrome. Try using Firefox or Edge to download the file.

Why does Chrome show “This file can’t be downloaded securely”?

This error is shown when Chrome suspects that the file is not being downloaded from a secure (HTTPS) connection or if the server does not have a valid SSL certificate. Chrome enforces strict security measures, and if it detects an insecure download, it prevents the file from being downloaded to protect the user.

What if I can’t download files securely from trusted websites?

Ensure that the website is properly configured with HTTPS and has a valid SSL certificate. If the site is misconfigured, you may need to contact the website’s administrator. If you control the website, ensure that your SSL configuration is correct.

Is it safe to disable Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature?

Disabling Safe Browsing removes important protection against malicious sites and downloads. Only disable it temporarily if you are certain the file and source are safe, and always turn it back on afterward.

How can I prevent this error in the future?

• Download files only from trusted and reputable websites using HTTPS.
• Keep Chrome and your operating system up to date.
• Do not disable Safe Browsing except when necessary, and never for extended periods.