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Google Chrome is the most used web browser globally. However, users occasionally encounter issues, one of which is the browser automatically deleting downloaded files. This problem can be frustrating as users find their files disappearing from the download directory shortly after downloading them without any request or input of their own.
Several factors can contribute to Chrome automatically deleting your downloaded files. These include Chrome’s settings being configured for security or privacy reasons, antivirus programs misidentifying and removing files as potential threats, certain browser extensions or add-ons interfering with downloads, insufficient disk space or file system errors causing automatic file removal, and a corrupted Chrome leading to unpredictable behavior, including file deletion.
Unfortunately, these underlying issues can also cause other Google Chrome errors like ERR_CONNECTION_RESET or ‘?gws_rd=ssl’ certificate error.
In this article, we will explore steps to prevent Chrome from deleting the files and even recover the files that have already been deleted.
Ways to Recover Deleted Files by Google Chrome
Here are a few methods to easily recover deleted files:
Solution. 1: Restore Them From Recycle Bin
Chrome downloaded files are saved in the “Downloads” folder by default, but they can also be stored in other locations. When you delete a file from Chrome or another folder, it automatically goes to the Recycle Bin. As long as you haven’t permanently deleted the file or emptied the “Recycle Bin”, you can easily restore it. Here’s how:
- Open “Recycle Bin”.
- Select the files you wish to restore.
- Click on “Restore”. This will restore the deleted files.
Solution. 2: Restore via Chrome Downloads Page
Even after deleting a file, the download link in Chrome remains accessible, allowing you to re-download the file. Here’s how to retrieve deleted downloads in Chrome:
- Open “Google Chrome”.
- Type “chrome://downloads” in the address bar and press ‘Enter’ or use the shortcut ‘Ctrl+J’ to open the Downloads page.
- Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
- Click on the greyed-out download link of the deleted file to automatically start the re-download process.
Solution. 3: Restore From Quarantined Items
If a downloaded file is infected with a virus, Windows will block it, making it difficult to locate. If you trust the file and want to recover it, follow these steps:
- Press ‘Win + S’ and type “Virus & threat protection” in the search box, then press ‘Enter’.
- In the right pane, select “Protection history”.
- Click on “Filters” and choose “Quarantined Items”. Locate the desired file in the list.
- If you find the required file, select it and choose a destination to restore it.
How to Stop Chrome from Automatically Deleting Your Files
Now that you have recovered your previously deleted files, you can take steps to prevent Chrome from deleting files in the future. The issue could stem from either browser settings or Windows configuration.
If you are encountering this error specifically on Chrome and not on any other browser, it is likely a Chrome-related issue. The following solutions can help resolve the issue:
Adjust Safe Browsing Settings
Sometimes, Chrome’s security feature may mistakenly identify your files as dangerous or malicious downloads. To prevent Chrome from automatically deleting these files, follow these steps:
- Open “Chrome” and access the menu (three vertical dots) and go to “Settings”.
- Navigate to “Privacy and Security”, then click on “Security”.
- In the “Safe Browsing” section, choose “No protection (not recommended)”.
- Confirm by clicking “Turn off” in the pop-up window.
This will stop Chrome from automatically deleting your downloaded files.
Disable Problematic Extensions
Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with file downloads. To identify and disable problematic extensions:
- Open “Chrome” and access the menu (three vertical dots).
- Click on “Extensions” > “Manage Extensions”.
- Review your installed extensions and disable any that you suspect might be causing the issue by toggling off the switch next to them.
- Test your downloads to see if the problem persists.
Reset Chrome
Resetting Chrome can help resolve issues by restoring the browser to its default settings. To reset Chrome:
- Open “Chrome” and access the menu (three vertical dots).
- Click on “Settings” > “Advanced” > “Reset and clean up”.
- Select “Restore settings to their original defaults”.
- Confirm by clicking “Reset settings”.
Reinstall Chrome
resetting Chrome does not resolve the issue, you may need to reinstall the browser. To reinstall Chrome:
- Press ‘Win+S’, type “Control Panel”, and press ‘Enter’.
- Click on “Uninstall a program” under “Programs”.
- Find “Google Chrome”, click on it, and press “Uninstall”.
- Get the latest Chrome version by downloading it from the official website.
Install “Chrome” and test your downloads again.
Tips to Resolve Windows-Related Issues (When Files Disappear and Get Deleted from Other Browsers)
If the issue is Windows-related and you are facing this problem in all browsers, try the following fixes:
Ensure Sufficient Disk Space and Check for File System Errors
Make sure your device has enough free disk space and no file system errors:
- Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files or using a disk cleanup tool.
- Perform a disk check to detect and repair any file system issues:
- Open “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
- Type chkdsk c: /f and press ‘Enter’. Follow the prompts and restart your computer.
Modify Antivirus Settings
Antivirus software can sometimes mistakenly identify downloaded files as threats and delete them. Ensure that your antivirus settings are configured to allow downloads from trusted sources:
- Open your antivirus software.
- Navigate to the settings or preferences section.
- Look for options related to “threat detection”, “quarantined files”, or “real-time protection”.
- Add exceptions for trusted files or folders.
Uninstall Recent Updates or Perform a System Restore
If the issue started after a recent Windows update, you might need to uninstall the update or perform a system restore:
To uninstall recent updates:
- Go to “Settings” > “Windows Update” > “Update history”.
- Scroll down, click on “Uninstall updates”, and select the recent update to remove.
To perform a system restore:
- Press ‘Win+S’, type “Control Panel”, and open it.
- In the “View by “dropdown select “Large icons.”
- Go to “Recovery” > “Open System Restore” > “Next”.
- Select a restore point from before the issue began and click “Next” > “Finish”.
By adjusting your settings and using these recovery methods above, you can prevent Chrome from automatically deleting your downloaded files and recover any that have been lost.
Useful: If your Chrome browser refreshed your tabs on its own — see our fix guide here.
We hope that this article has been useful for you. And if by any chance you’re still struggling with the error — we highly advise downloading the automatic-fix app provided below.
Good luck!
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