Fix: “Failed-Forbidden” Error When Downloading Files from Google Drive

The “Failed-Forbidden” error when attempting to download files from Google Drive abruptly halts the process, often leaving the user unsure of the exact cause. This error typically means that the browser has blocked the download due to a permissions or security issue, though server and network issues can also be responsible.

One common cause of this problem is having multiple Google accounts logged in simultaneously, which can create conflicts in cookies or cache, leading the browser to prevent the download. Additionally, settings like hardware acceleration or file-sharing permissions can also trigger this error.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nature of the problem, we will move on to the solutions. Make sure to implement these in the specific order in which they are presented to avoid conflicts.

Solution 1: Try to Download in Incognito Mode

Chrome includes a handy feature where the user can turn on “Incognito” mode, which prevents extensions and session cookies from affecting the download. This is useful because it prevents the browser from tracking other users on the browser.

1. Open Chrome and launch a new tab.
2. Press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “N” to open an incognito tab.

   

3. Sign in to Google Drive, try to download the file, and check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 2: Disable Other Accounts

Google Drive sometimes experiences a glitch where the download is prevented if multiple users are logged into the browser while initiating it. Therefore, it is recommended that you log out of all other accounts on the browser before trying to download the file from Google Drive.

1. Open the browser and click on the “Account” icon on the right side.
2. Select an account that isn’t associated with Google Drive.
3. Click on the “Account” icon again and select “Sign Out“.

   

4. Repeat this process for all accounts except the one associated with Google Drive.
5. Once all the accounts have been logged out, sign in to Google Drive and try to download the file.
6. Check to see if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Use Shareable Link

There is a workaround to this situation where the user can obtain a link that can be used to directly download the file in question.

1. Sign in to Google Drive.
2. Right-click on the file that needs to be downloaded.
3. Select the “Get Shareable Link” option.

   

4. This link will automatically be copied to the clipboard.
5. Paste this link in a new tab and the file can be downloaded directly.

Solution 4: Disabling Hardware Acceleration

There have been reports of the hardware acceleration feature causing issues with downloads through Google Drive. Therefore, in this step, we will be disabling it completely.

1. Open Chrome and launch a new tab.
2. Click on the “Three Dots” in the top right corner.
3. Select “Settings” from the list, scroll down, and click on the “Advanced” button.

   

4. Under the “System” heading, click on the “Use hardware acceleration when available” toggle to turn it off.

   

5. Try to download the file from Google Drive and check to see if the issue persists.