I cannot install anything

Question

Every time I try to download something in the browser, the bar of the download never moves and I can't install it.

Answer 1

Hi JJ,

From what you described, the download shows as completed (full circle), but it doesn’t actually run or move forward. This can happen if the file is downloaded but blocked from launching.

To make sure we guide you accurately, I’d like to narrow this down a bit first:

1. Which Windows version are you using (Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows 7/8)?
2. Which browser are you using (Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.)?
3. When the download finishes (full circle), what happens if you click the file, does nothing happen, or do you see an error message?
4. Does this happen with all files/websites, or only certain downloads (for example, .exe files only)?

Once you confirm the details above, I’ll provide more targeted steps based on your exact setup.

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Answer 2

Follow these steps in order, testing a download after each step:

1. Check that file downloads are allowed
   1. Press Windows key, type inetcpl.cpl, press Enter to open Internet Properties.
   2. Go to the Security tab and select the Internet zone (globe icon).
   3. Select Custom level.
   4. Scroll to Downloads > File download and select Enable.
   5. Scroll to Miscellaneous > Launching applications and unsafe files and select Prompt (recommended).
   6. Click OK, then OK again.
   7. Close and reopen the browser and try the download.
2. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall
   1. Open the antivirus or firewall app from Start.
   2. Use its Settings/Tools/Protection section to temporarily disable or pause protection.
   3. Try the download again.
   4. Re‑enable protection immediately after testing.
3. Check if antivirus is blocking downloads If messages such as “Virus scan failed” or “Virus detected” appear when trying to save/open a file, this is typically caused by antivirus. If the file source is trusted, temporarily disable virus scanning as above, download the file, then turn scanning back on.
4. Test with another browser and file type
   1. Try downloading a different file type (for example, .zip instead of .exe) from the same site.
   2. Try another browser (for example, Microsoft Edge if currently using another browser) to see if downloads work there.

If downloads still never start in any browser after these steps, check with the network administrator or internet provider in case downloads are being blocked at the network level.

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References:

• Information about the Attachment Manager in Microsoft Windows
• Troubleshoot download failures
• Troubleshooting tips for downloading, installing, and updating Microsoft Edge
• "couldn't be downloaded" error when you download a file or a program in Internet Explorer 11
• Having internet, but not being able to download anything - Microsoft Q&A