Download errors: the most common causes and solutions

To the detriment of all Internet users, errors when downloading files occur again and again. In this practical tip you will find out what that can be and what you can do about it.

Download error - that's because

• If a download fails, the easiest way is to check your internet connection and try again. Data connection dropouts are often responsible for the failure to download files. An unstable connection can also cause the error by only briefly breaking the connection during the download.
• Some browsers block downloads that pose a security risk. To check this, have your downloads displayed and see if there is a note next to the download in question. Here you will also be informed about other download errors. How to view your downloads in Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge can be found in other articles.
• Make sure that you have enough space for your download at the destination. Make space on your hard drive if necessary.
• In the event that all downloads fail, you can change the download folder of your browser. Instructions for Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge can be found here. You may not have write access to the affected folder due to an error.
• However, the problem does not always have to be with you: It often happens that the address of a download link is incorrect. In this case, all you can do is load the file from another website. It can also happen that the server cannot be reached with the file. Here it is advisable to start the download again in a few hours. Alternatively, you can download the desired file from another website.
• Tip: With a download manager tool, downloads usually work better. JDownloader 2, for example, can also continue interrupted or aborted downloads.

The next article will show you how to tell that a website has been censored.