How to Fix Google Drive Not Downloading Files After Zipping

Previously, Google Drive was used to stop the download or generate an error if the download size exceeded 2GB. Later, Google added the feature that files were automatically split into 2GB zip folders. has not solved the problem of zip files, which has caused problems for Drive users. Many people still face the problem of forever compressed files from Google Drive.

If you are also facing the problem of blocked zip downloads in Google Drive, or if zip files fail to download, you are in the right place. Here we will tell you six ways to solve the problem. And as a bonus, you will also learn some tips to improve the zip download process.

Let's start.

1. Restart the computer

I usually hibernate or put my laptop on standby, which sometimes causes problems. The problem is mainly related to browsers because of problems in temporary files. So, if Google Drive is forever compressing files on your PC, you must restart your computer first. I know, I know … but if only common sense was so common.

2. Follow the right steps

Zip downloads fail for most users because of the unintuitive nature of the download steps. The initial steps are logical, that is, select the folder or multiple files to download, and then click the Download button. Google Drive will start compressing your files. Once finished, here's what's changing.

You will receive an Exit pop-up at the top. Normally, contextual windows make sense with a Yes or No button. But here things are different.

The text says "The changes you have made can not be saved". Two options are available: quit and cancel. A normal user would think that downloading compressed files will be canceled by clicking the Exit button. Then they click Cancel. But that's false. Press the Cancel button to stop downloads. As strange as it sounds, you must click Quit. This will start the process of downloading compressed files.

Did not have any Pop-up?

If you do not receive a pop-up window, follow the steps below to fix the problem in Chrome.

Step 1: Open the chrome: // settings / link to access Chrome settings.

2nd step: Click Advanced to reveal more settings.

Step 3: Under Privacy & Security, click Site Settings.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Pop-ups and redirects.

Step 4: If pop-ups are blocked, click the Add button next to Allow. Add https://drive.google.com to the allowed popups.

Step 5: Close Chrome. Then try downloading the files. Do not forget to click Quit instead of Cancel in the pop-up window.

3. Clear browser cache and cookies

You should also try manually deleting temporary files from your browser, such as cookies and cache. We mentioned the steps for the Google Chrome browser.

Step 1: Again, go to the settings page by typing chrome: // settings / into the address bar or looking for it in the Chrome menu.

2nd step: Scroll down the list and you will find the advanced option. Click on it to reveal more settings.

Step 3: Under Privacy & Security, click Clear Browsing Data.

Step 4: Check the box next to "Images and cached files" and "Cookies and other site data". Untie the others. Finally, click the Clear Data button.

Step 5: Close Chrome and restart it. Then try downloading your zip files from Drive.

4. Try another browser

If your current browser can not download zip files, try it in another browser.

5. Log in to the correct account

If you're signed in to multiple Google Accounts on your browser, sign out of each one of them. Keep only one connected account from which you want to download Google Drive files.

6. Reset Chrome Settings

Sometimes the problem may be due to an incorrect extension or settings. So, resetting Chrome will solve the problem. Even if your data is safe when you reset it, read what happens when you reset Chrome.

To reset it, open Chrome Settings. Then press Advanced. Scroll down and click 'Restore Defaults'. Confirm by clicking Reset.

Where are the downloaded compressed files

Typically, the files will be available in the Downloads folder on your PC. However, if you have changed the download location, they will be available in the new folder.

Tips for improving Zip download on Google Drive

Follow the steps below to make it easy to download zip files from Google Drive.

1. Download in incognito mode

If zip files are a problem when downloading in normal browsing mode, try downloading it in incognito mode.

2. Download files instead of folder

Instead of downloading a folder, select multiple files and download them. Some users have suggested that this tip speeds up the compression process for them.

3. Use Backup and Sync from Google

Google Drive has dedicated applications for Windows and Mac. You should install them to download huge files from Drive. In addition to being user-friendly, it does not compress files, which speeds up the process of downloading files. Read our guide on using Google Backup and Sync.

4. Download multiple files

Downloading multiple files from Drive will always create a zip file, which may seem slow for some users. If you do not want to install Google Drive apps to download files without compressing and quickly, check out our dedicated article.

Zip Along!

Let's hope that one of the tips above did it for you and that you could fly over (no pun intended) this annoying problem. If you are still stuck, maybe your Internet speed (or something like the ISP's DNS) is to blame? Try to explore this angle and see if it works.

Then: Is your Google Drive storage space full? Know what matters for the storage quota on Google Drive. Check out the article below.