Download a file

Download files from Google Drive with a computer, Android or iOS device.

Important: If you try to download a suspicious file, you may get a warning message. Use caution if you download the file.

Download a file

  1. Go to drive.google.com.
  2. Click a file to download.
    1. To download multiple files, press Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) and then click any other files.
  3. Right-click and then click Download.

Tip: You can't drag a file or folder directly to your desktop.

If you can't download a file

If you can't download a file, the owner may have disabled options to print, download or copy for people who only have comment or view access.

Blocked third-party cookies can prevent Drive Web downloads

Drive Web uses third-party cookies to communicate with Google's secure download server. Blocking third-party cookies in Chrome will prevent you from downloading through Google Drive. If you want to block third-party cookies and still download from Drive, allow third-party cookies just for Drive.

  1. Type chrome://settings/cookies in the browser address bar and then press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to the 'Sites that can always use cookies' section under 'See all cookies and site data'.
  3. On the right, click Add.
  4. In the 'Add a site' window, enter drive.google.com.
  5. Make sure to select the tick box Including third-party cookies on this site and then click Add.

Tip: Learn more about changes to third-party cookie requirements in Google Drive.

Further troubleshooting

If you still have problems downloading files from Drive, you can:

  • Make sure that third-party cookies are allowed for Drive at chrome://settings/cookies.
    • It should say 'Including third-party cookies on this site' below the site exception for drive.google.com. If it doesn't, click Bin to remove the site and then follow steps 2-5 above.
    • Under ‘Sites that can never use cookies’, make sure there aren't any entries for googleusercontent.com, drive.google.com, or google.com. This prevents downloads from Google Drive. If you find these sites listed, click Menu  and then Remove.
  • Turn off all extensions and try to download. If you can download a file, turn the extensions on one at a time to identify any with problems.

 

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