Earlier, Google Drive either used to stop the download or throw an error if the download size exceeded 2GB. Later, Google added the functionality where files were divided into 2GB zip folders automatically. However, that didn’t solve the issue of zip files giving trouble to Drive users. Many people still face the Google Drive zipping files forever problem.

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If you also face the issue of Google Drive zip downloads stuck or zip files fail to download, then you are at the right place. Here we will tell you six ways to possibly fix the issue. And as a bonus, you will also get to know a few tips to improve the zip download process.

Let’s get started.

1. Restart Computer

I have a habit of either hibernating or putting my laptop on sleep, which causes problems at times. The problem is mostly related to browsers due to issues in temporary files. So, if Google Drive is zipping files forever on your PC, you should start by restarting your computer. I know, I know ... but if only common sense was that common.

2. Follow the Right Steps

The zip downloads fail for most users due to the unintuitive nature of the download steps. The initial steps are logical i.e. select the folder or multiple files that you want to download and then click on the Download button. Google Drive will then start zipping your files. Once it finishes it, here’s what changes.

You will receive a Leave site pop-up at the top. Normally, pop-ups make sense with a yes or no button. But here things are different.

The text says ‘Changes you made may not be saved’. You are offered two options — leave and cancel. A regular user would think that the download for the zipped files will be canceled by clicking on the Leave button. So they click on Cancel. But that’s wrong. Pressing the Cancel button will stop the downloads. As strange as it may sound, you have to click on Leave. Doing that will start the download process of the zipped files.

Didn't Get Any Pop-up?

In case you don’t receive any pop-up, follow the below steps to fix it on Chrome.

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

Step 2: Click on Advanced to reveal more settings.

Step 3: Under Privacy and Security, click on Site Settings.

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

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

Step 5: Close Chrome. Then try downloading the files. Do remember to click on Leave instead of Cancel in the pop-up.

Tip: Sometimes, downloads are blocked on Chrome. Find out how to unblock them.

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3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

You should also try manually clearing temporary files of your browser such as cookies and cache. We have mentioned the steps for Google Chrome browser.

Step 1: Again go to the settings page by typing in chrome://settings/ in the address bar or finding it from the Chrome menu.

Step 2: Scroll down and you will find the Advanced option. Click on it to reveal more settings.

Step 3: Under Privacy and security, click on Clear browsing data.

Students Google Drive Download Mac Free

Step 4: Select the checkbox available next to ‘Cached images and files’ and ‘Cookies and other site data’. Uncheck others. Finally, hit the Clear data button.

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

4. Try a Different Browser

If your current browser fails to download zip files, try it in a different browser.

5. Sign Into Correct Account

If you are signed into multiple Google accounts on your browser, sign out from all of them. Keep only one account signed in from where you want to download Google Drive files.

6. Reset Google Chrome Settings

Sometimes, the issue could be due to an extension or incorrect settings. So resetting Chrome will fix it. Even though your data is safe when you reset it, do read what happens when you reset Chrome.

To reset it, open Chrome Settings. Then, tap on Advanced. Scroll down to the bottom and click on ‘Restore settings to their original defaults’. Confirm by clicking on Reset.

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Where Are Zipped Files Downloaded

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 to Improve Zip Download on Google Drive

Follow the below steps to ease the process of downloading zip files from Google Drive.

1. Download in Incognito Mode

Google Drive App Mac

If the zip files are giving you trouble while downloading in the normal browsing mode, try downloading it in the incognito mode.

2. Download Files Instead of the Folder

Instead of downloading a folder, select multiple files inside it and then download them. Some users have suggested that this trick quickened the zipping process for them.

3. Use Backup and Sync from Google

Google Drive has dedicated apps for both Windows and Mac. You should install those for downloading huge files from Drive. Besides being user-friendly, it doesn’t zip files, so the overall process of downloading files is fast. Do read our guide on how to use Backup and Sync from Google.

4. Download Multiple Files

Downloading multiple files from Drive will always create a zip file, which may seem slow for some users. If you don’t want to install the Google Drive apps yet want to download files without zipping and quickly, check out our dedicated post for the same.

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Google Drive Sharing Permissions Explained: A Detailed Guide

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Zip Along!

Hopefully one of the above tips did it for you and you were able to zip past (no pun intended) this annoying problem. In case you're still stuck, maybe your internet speed (or something else like the ISP's DNS) is to blame? Try to explore that angle and see if it works.

Next up: Is your Google Drive storage space running out? Know what counts towards storage quota on Google Drive. Check the article below.

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextGoogle Drive Storage Guide: What Counts and What Doesn'tAlso See#google drive

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