Yogotronik
Original Poster
Apr 5, 2019

The "Always open files of this type" option for downloaded files is grayed out. Used to work fine.

It seems just recently Chrome stopped opening my files automatically.

It may be a recent change in Chrome specifically not wanting to automatically open .zip files, but this is very inconvenient for me. I open hundreds of these files a week while multi-tasking.

Is there another version of Chrome that will allow this or a fix I can make to the settings? Thanks in advance.
Details
Setting Up and Using Chrome,Windows,Stable (Default)
Locked
Informational notification.
This question is locked and replying has been disabled.
Community content may not be verified or up-to-date. Learn more.
Last edited Apr 5, 2019
Recommended Answer
Devin Watson
Sep 25, 2019
So I actually have a fix (or two) for this. I have downloaded a file and when it opened to "always open files of this type", I clicked the wrong place to always send it couldn't do anything about it. Resetting Chrome and everything. I have found two ways to get around this issue. (I'm on Windows 10 btw)

Go in Your Actual Folder:
1. When you right click the download, click on "Show in Folder"
2. When you're inside the folder, go to the download and right click again on the download
3. Go on and click the "Open With" option
And there you go.

Accidentally found method when I was typing this page:
1. Right click on the download
2. On your keyboard press the "O" key. (O as in Octopus)

How did I accidentally find this? On the second sentence at "I have downloaded a file and when it", I wanted to verify so I right clicked on my download to see the full correct name. When I verified, I didn't close the right clicked option bar and tried to type "opened" but instead of typing the "o" it went straight to the always open tab. At first I was confused and thought I didn't close it out so I went back and typed "o" again and just found a new way coincidentally. Like some divine force wanted to show you all the answer I guess. 
Hope this was helpful ^_^
Gold Product Expert mudwoman recommended this
Helpful?
All Replies (26)
Yogotronik
Original Poster
Apr 5, 2019
Just gave it a go, but no luck. I like your thinking though. I think I'll try uninstalling and doing a clean install. I'm still not sure if it is an error I'm trying to fix or a change from an update so I'm kinda shooting in the dark here.
Daniel Ceder
Aug 19, 2019
Seems like a few file types are shunned from being automatically opened?
For me XML doesnt work but i.e. docx works fine.
Last edited Aug 19, 2019
Douglas Smith 7469
Sep 18, 2019
Yea this really sucks!  I hope that Google will correct this annoying behavior
Devin Watson
Recommended Answer
Sep 25, 2019
So I actually have a fix (or two) for this. I have downloaded a file and when it opened to "always open files of this type", I clicked the wrong place to always send it couldn't do anything about it. Resetting Chrome and everything. I have found two ways to get around this issue. (I'm on Windows 10 btw)

Go in Your Actual Folder:
1. When you right click the download, click on "Show in Folder"
2. When you're inside the folder, go to the download and right click again on the download
3. Go on and click the "Open With" option
And there you go.

Accidentally found method when I was typing this page:
1. Right click on the download
2. On your keyboard press the "O" key. (O as in Octopus)

How did I accidentally find this? On the second sentence at "I have downloaded a file and when it", I wanted to verify so I right clicked on my download to see the full correct name. When I verified, I didn't close the right clicked option bar and tried to type "opened" but instead of typing the "o" it went straight to the always open tab. At first I was confused and thought I didn't close it out so I went back and typed "o" again and just found a new way coincidentally. Like some divine force wanted to show you all the answer I guess. 
Hope this was helpful ^_^
Gold Product Expert mudwoman recommended this
Dan Smocot
Nov 29, 2019
Fixed in Chrome Canary 80.0.3980.0
Eric Lawrence
Dec 3, 2019
Now Fixed in all Chrome versions. If it doesn't work for you, visit chrome://components, scroll down to File Type Policies, and click "Check for updates." The fix is in Version: 40
saayan das
Dec 17, 2019
Go to Chrome Setting > Advanced Option > Download Hit Clear option saying " Open certain file types after download"
Phani Vajjha
Jan 3, 2020
I dont see this option for - "Open Certain File Types After Download".

What version of chrome are you using? Can you be more specific on where to look for this?

Thanks!
KDMcM
Jan 5, 2020
The "Open certain file types automatically" button is not present under downloads in my settings. There are certain files I wish not to have to confirm. How can I accomplish this, please? NB, the file type under consideration is not appearing in the download bar, so I cannot use that option, either. Downloading and opening the files works OKay, I just don't wish to have to confirm opening the associated application.
Can anyone help, please?
Ruslan Valeev
Jan 14, 2020
I tried in both current PROD version 79.0.3945.117 and official BETA 80.0.3987.42, and in both cases the option "Always open files of this type" is grayed out for my download (digitally signed VBS file). Also, in Advanced Settings --> Downloads I don't have a section to choose file types to be opened automatically. Others have the same situation?
Padme
Feb 16, 2020
Since last "update" should be downgrade, I get way too many -aw snap-, and my picture downloads no loner are visible. I try to post something and within seconds -aw snap-.  Most of the time I cannot use my chromebook .  They have useless suggestions!  What does it take for them to take responsibility for THEIR mistakes....... a class action lawsuit!
Rolf Borchmann
Mar 5, 2020
Try this (I did it with Chrome 80 on Windows 7): Start download, when Chrome asks for a folder to store it, just specify one and let it download. Then, you'll find the file in the download bar. Click the Up-Arrow next to the file name. There I found the "open always" menu entry. Chrome launched the file and launches other downloads now automatically.

Follow-up question: where can I remove this specific carte blanche if the need arises? There is a "clear all" option in download settings, but that's just annoying if you allowed some 10 file types or more.
Last edited Mar 5, 2020
BEL
Mar 27, 2020
@Rolf Borchmann - Many thanks for your suggestion on "resetting" Chrome to automatically open files.  I tried this with an Excel file and it works great on Windows 10 with Chrome 80!! 😀
false
16169581558421918293
true
Search Help Center
true
true
true
true
true
237
false
false
Search
Clear search
Close search
Main menu