Stop auto open after download

While downloading a file in Chrome, it appears on the download shelf at the bottom of the screen. By default, Chrome doesnt open downloaded files, but it does come with an option to automatically open files of the same type. If youve enabled that option accidentally, Chrome will open the downloaded file instead of saving it, which can be annoying at times. In this article, Ive provided two working ways you can stop downloads from opening automatically in Google Chrome.

Related | How to Hide Google Chrome File Downloads Bar

Stop Down­loads from Open­ing Auto­mat­i­cal­ly in Chrome

Google Chrome features a pretty capable download manager. We all use it to download files such as music, videos, documents, and pictures. However, not everyone wants it to open downloaded files as soon as the download is completed. If youve enabled it accidentally, follow the ways below to get rid of the annoyance.

1. Uncheck Always open files of this type

Lets say all png files you try to download are getting opened automatically. This means you have checked the Always open files of this type option from the download Shelf.

To stop downloads from opening automatically, you will need to uncheck the option for all the file types you have enabled. You can do it by following the steps below.

Step 1: Download a new file of the same type as the ones that are getting opened automatically.

Step 2: Once the download gets started, tap the little upward-facing arrow icon.

Note: If your Internet connection is fast, the file will get downloaded and opened before tapping on the icon. You can avoid this by trying to download a larger file or switching to a slower connection. OR, you can skip to the other method given below.

Step 3: Uncheck the option that says, Always open files of this type.

Step 4: Once done, Chrome will no longer open downloads of the same file type automatically.

Repeat the steps for all the file types youre facing the problem with. However, if you dont want to go through this hassle for each file type, you can tweak the download settings explained below.

2. Change Download Settings

You can stop downloads from opening automatically by changing download settings, as follows:

Step 1: Type chrome://settings/downloads in Chromes address bar and hit enter.

Step 2: On the download settings page, you will see an option Open certain file types automatically after downloading with a Clear button next to it.

Step 3: Tap on Clear to reset auto-opening download preferences. Once done, none of the files will get opened automatically.

Note: If you do not see this option, it means you have not enabled any file type to open automatically. It only appears when at least one file type is set to open automatically after the download is completed.

[Solved] Downloads Opening Automatically in Chrome

Opening downloaded files automatically might be handy for the files we regularly work with it. But if all downloads get opened without our permission, we might end up bombarding our desktop with an enormous number of opened files. It can be easily stopped by following the steps explained above. Anyways, were you able to stop downloads from opening automatically in Chrome? Do let me know in the comments.