Top 7 Ways to Fix Google Docs Unable to Load File Issue

Google Docs is one of the most popular word processing software. And why not? It’s free, works everywhere, and sharing is seamless too. However, it is not without its problems either. From time to time Google Docs generates an error while uploading a file. If you frequently encounter this issue, read on to resolve the issue.

There can be many reasons behind this strange behavior. Google Docs cannot load files for starters due to incomplete internet connection, culpable Chrome extension, bad cache, etc. Let’s get started.

1. Check the internet connection

As you may already know, Google Docs lives on the web. It requires constant internet connection to save work. It is recommended that you have a good internet connection for a smooth Google Docs experience. Use Speedtest or check the router to make sure the internet is working properly.

On Windows 10, you can open the Settings app (use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut). Go to Network and Internet> Status and make sure it says “You are connected to the Internet.”

If internet connection is not the issue, the following reasons may cause problems uploading files to Google Docs.

2. Clear Google Chrome cache and cookies

By default, many people prefer to use Google Docs in Google Chrome. One of the main reasons is that Chrome supports the use of Google Docs offline.

On Chrome, a corrupted cache can ruin your day. It’s almost always safe to clear the cache, so there’s no reason not to try it. If there is overloaded browsing data in your Google Chrome, it can slow down the browser and cause problems opening files in Google Docs.

Follow the steps below to clear your browser’s browsing history, cache, and cookies.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome, tap the three-dot menu at the top.

2nd step: Go to More Tools> Clear Browsing Data.

Step 3: In the next menu, go to Advanced and select Cache files and cookies to delete.

Then relaunch the Google Chrome browser and check if the issues with Google Docs are resolved or not.

3. Disable Chrome Extensions

Extensions play a vital role in the Chrome ecosystem. By using extensions, one can add more functionality to the interface and basic functionality of Chrome. However, some may not be actively maintained and may be out of date, or may develop incompatibilities with Google Docs.

If more than one Chrome extension is installed, it can be difficult to determine which of them is causing the problem.

For this reason, the easiest solution is to deactivate all extensions and then activate one at a time.

Step 1: Open Google Chrome, tap the three-dot menu at the top.

2nd step: Go to More Tools> Extensions.

Step 3: This will open the Extension menu. Hit the Remove button and remove the Chrome extensions.

4. Reset all Chrome settings

Resetting browser settings can help, as there are times when incorrect settings adjustments can potentially cause issues with Chrome and its functions, especially if you enable beta features.

You can fix all of this by resetting Chrome.

Step 1: Launch Chrome and open Settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and click on Advanced to open all settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset & Clean section and click on Restore Default Settings.

This will open a window with a warning that all Chrome settings will be reset. Just select Reset Settings to continue.

Remember that this will disable all your extensions, erase temporary data, and erase all cookies. However, it will not affect saved favorites, history and passwords.

5. Log out of the Google account and log back in

Google Docs cannot upload files may be due to an account authentication error on your end. Go to the top right corner of your Chrome browser and select the account. Log out of the current account and log in again using the login information.

6. Use Chrome Malware Scanner

If none of the above tips work, your system may contain malware that interferes with Chrome and Google Docs. The good news is that Google has built in an anti-malware scanner that will scan your computer and detect any issues.

Step 1: Open Chrome and go to settings.

2nd step: Scroll down and click on Advanced to open all settings.

Step 3: Scroll down to the Reset and clean section and click Clean up computer.

This will open a window where you can launch the Chrome malware scan. Simply select the Search button to start the scan.

7. Check Google Severs

Google Docs not uploading files for you could be due to a Google server-side error. You can visit downdetector and search google. If you notice huge spikes from users reporting issues with Google, there is nothing you can do but wait until the issues are resolved.

Start using Google Docs again

Google Docs not uploading files can be a real headache in the workplace. Follow the above troubleshooting tips and fix Google Docs upload file issue while on the go.