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Chrome Says Download in Progress: 5 Tested Ways to Fix it
The issue primarily arises because of stuck background updates
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 20, 2023
updated onOctober 20, 2023
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Some Google Chrome users have reported a curious issue: Google’s flagship browser keeps displaying aDownload is in progressmessage. However, no download is in progress when they see that message.
Users who need to fix that Chrome issue will typically see theDownload is in progressmessage every time they select to close the browser. That message includes aQuitandContinuedownload option.
This might sound like a relatively minor browsing issue. Yet, it’s not ideal when users must select a confirmation option to exit the browser.
A few users have found ways to fix this download error. If you must fix Chrome’sDownload in progress error, try applying the tested methods below.
Why does Chrome keep trying to download?
This issue can sometimes occur because of a corrupted or failed download. In such a scenario, you might be able to fix it by discarding a failed download within Google Chrome’sDownloadstab.
However, the Chrome team has said this issue primarily arises from stuck Chrome background updates. One comment on a bug report page for this issue stated:
This behavior appears when Chrome updates items in the background, such as machine-learning models for certain features. This has likely always been the case.
Quick Tip:Try downloading files using a different browser. We recommend Opera One because it’s very responsive and less likely to cause errors due to its very low system impact.
Just like Chrome, Opera One is built on a Chromium engine and includes all standard browsing features plus some. It comes with built-in AI, Ad Blocker, VPN and also has integrated social media and messaging.
Opera One
How can I fix Chrome if it says download in progress?
1. Check for and discard incomplete, failed, or corrupted downloads
2. Clear Google Chrome’s download history and cache
3. Disable background Google update processes
4. Refresh (reset) Google Chrome
5. Reinstall Google Chrome
Where does Chrome store downloads in progress?
Chrome stores downloads in progress within whatever folder you selected that browser to download files to. The browser will store downloads in progress in your user Downloads folder by default.
That folder will include incomplete CRDOWNLOAD file downloads. Any file there with a CRDOWNLOAD format is a download in progress.
How do I stop a download in progress?
Chrome displays a download bar at the bottom of its window when a download starts. You can stop a download in progress by clicking the down arrow and selecting Cancel. This was recently changed, and you will have to manuallymove the download bar to the bottom.
A lot of users have fixed Chrome’sDownload is in progresserror with the above resolutions. So, maybe one of them might also resolve that issue in your Chrome browser.
If you can’t download files with Chrome, you might need to fix a different issue. Ourdownload failed: network errorguide tells you how users can fix one of Chrome’s most prevalent download errors.
You can drop any questions about theDownload is in progressissue in the comment box below this page. If you’ve found another method to fix that issue, feel free to tell us below.
More about the topics:Google Chrome Errors
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
