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By default, Google Chrome asks for confirmation when a site automatically tries to download files in succession. However, if you want to block all attempts regardless of site, or perhaps you prefer to blacklist a specific website, here’s how.
Sometimes when you download a file in a browser, the website will try to download another file immediately after the first one finishes. While there are legitimate circumstances such as a file conversion site, there are sites that used it maliciously to force the download of viruses or harmful scripts without your knowledge or permission. However, for security reasons, Google Chrome now alerts you when a website tries to download multiple files.
How to disable multiple automatic file downloads
Launch Chrome, click on the menu icon and then click on “Settings”. Alternatively, you can type chrome://settings/ in the Omnibox to go directly there.
Once in the Settings tab, scroll to the bottom and click on “Advanced”.
Scroll down to the Privacy and Security section and click on “Site Settings”.
Scroll down the list of settings until you see the “Automatic Downloads” option. Click on it.
By default, the feature is set to ask for permission when a site tries to download files in succession. This is the recommended behavior, but if you want to block all sites from downloading multiple files automatically, turn the switch off.
That is. You will no longer receive a message when a site tries to download multiple files one after another.
How to enable automatic file downloads but block specific sites
Disabling automatic successive file downloads globally is not recommended, as it will block all attempts regardless of where they come from, even legitimate ones you might expect to download automatically. However, if you want to keep this feature enabled and block specific websites that you trust to download various files, you can blacklist a site.
Go back to Settings > Site Settings > Automatic Downloads, or type chrome://settings/content/automaticDownloads in the Omnibox and hit Enter. Move the switch to the on position.
Now, click on the “Add” button next to the Block heading.
Type the URL of the website you want to blacklist from automatically downloading successive files, then click “Add.”
When you provide the web address, if you want to block the entire site, use the [*.] prefix to capture all the subdomains of the website as in the example above.
That’s all about it. Repeat this process for as many websites trying to download multiple files. Whenever this website tries to download various files, Chrome automatically blocks this attempt and doesn’t bother you with a message.
