I cant download anything on my Windows 8 Laptop

Hi Mikee,

I would like to have more information regarding this issue. Please answer to these questions:

1)       Which browser are you using to download?

2)       Does this happen with all the browsers on your computer?

3)       From which website are you trying to download? Is it a secure website?

4)       Is this the first time that you are facing this issue? If yes, then what are the recent changes that you have made to the computer prior to this issue?

This issue can be either caused due to incorrect security settings of the browser or it may be due to malicious software infection. If you are using Internet Explorer 10 browser to download, then you may try the following methods:

Method 1: Run the Automated Troubleshooters

Step 1: Run Internet Explorer Performance Troubleshooter.

The Internet Explorer Performance Troubleshooter is an automated tool which will check for any performance issues which are common with the Internet Explorer on the computer and provides the details on how to fix them. Follow these steps and run the troubleshooter.

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b)       Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.

c)       In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.

d)        Click on “Internet Explorer Performance”.

e)       Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.

f)        Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Step 2: Run Internet Explorer Safety Troubleshooter.

This troubleshooter will check for the issues with the safety and privacy features and settings of the Internet Explorer 10. It checks for any changes to the default settings and will try to revert the changes back to default. Follow these steps and run the troubleshooter.

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b)       Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.

c)       In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.

d)        Click on “Internet Explorer Safety”.

e)       Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.

f)        Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Now, check if you are able to download. If the issue persists, then go ahead with the next method.

Method 2: Check if “File download” is disabled in Internet Explorer Security Settings

a)       Press “Windows Logo” + “R” keys on the keyboard to open the “Run” command window.

b)       Type “inetcpl.cpl” in the “Run” command box and press “Enter”.

c)       On the Internet Properties window, click on “Security” tab.

d)       Select the “Internet” zone (globe icon).

e)       Click on the “Custom level” button. This will open the Security Settings window.

f)        Scroll down to “Downloads”.

g)       Under “File download”, make sure you have selected “Enable”

h)       Now, again scroll down the list to the section “Miscellaneous”.

i)         Under “Launching applications and unsafe files”, select “Prompt”

j)         Click on “Ok”.

Now, you should be able to download the files. If the issue still persists, then you may check if the computer is infected by any malicious software. To do this you may run a security scan using Windows Defender or any other third party security program that you have on the computer and let’s know the result.

If you are using other browsers, then I would suggest you to get in touch with their Technical Support for further assistance.

Hope this is helpful. If this issue persists with Internet Explorer 10, then please do get back to us for further assistance.