How to Make Chrome Automatically Open Downloaded Files

Key Takeaways:

  • Enable the “Open certain file types automatically after downloading” option in Chrome settings
  • Right-click a downloaded file and select “Always open files of this type” to set auto-open for that file type
  • Some file types like .exe, .zip, and .bat cannot be automatically opened for security reasons
  • Change the default download location in Chrome settings if needed

Google Chrome is a popular web browser that offers a variety of features to enhance user experience. One such feature is the ability to automatically open downloaded files, saving you time and effort. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up Chrome to auto-open your downloads and provide some helpful tips along the way.

Enabling Auto-Open for Downloaded Files

To make Chrome automatically open your downloaded files, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  2. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced” to expand the settings.
  4. Under the “Downloads” section, toggle on the option “Open certain file types automatically after downloading.”

Now that you’ve enabled the feature, you can set specific file types to auto-open:

  1. Download a file of the type you want to auto-open.
  2. Once the download is complete, click the small arrow next to the file in the downloads bar.
  3. Select “Always open files of this type” from the menu. A checkmark will appear to confirm your choice.

From now on, any file of that type will automatically open after downloading.

File Types That Cannot Be Automatically Opened

It’s important to note that not all file types can be set to auto-open in Chrome. The browser prevents certain file types from opening automatically to protect your computer from potential security risks. These file types include:

  • Executable files (.exe)
  • Compressed files (.zip, .rar)
  • Batch files (.bat)

If you attempt to set auto-open for these file types, you’ll find that the “Always open files of this type” option is grayed out or unavailable.

Changing the Download Destination Folder

By default, Chrome saves downloaded files to the “Downloads” folder on your computer. If you prefer to store your downloads elsewhere, you can easily change the destination folder:

  1. Open Chrome and navigate to “Settings.”
  2. Click on “Advanced” to expand the settings.
  3. Under the “Downloads” section, click on the “Change” button next to the current download location.
  4. Select your desired folder and click “OK” to save the changes.

Alternatively, you can set Chrome to ask you where to save each file before downloading:

  1. In the “Downloads” section of Chrome settings, toggle on the option “Ask where to save each file before downloading.”
  2. Now, whenever you download a file, Chrome will prompt you to choose a location before proceeding.

Resetting Chrome to Default Settings

If you’ve made numerous changes to your Chrome settings and want to revert back to the default configuration, you can easily reset the browser:

  1. Open Chrome and go to “Settings.”
  2. Click on “Advanced” to expand the settings.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom and click on “Reset and clean up.”
  4. Select “Restore settings to their original defaults” and click “Reset settings” to confirm.

Keep in mind that resetting Chrome will erase all your custom settings, including auto-open preferences, so you’ll need to set them up again afterward.

Staying Safe While Downloading

While the ability to automatically open downloaded files can be convenient, it’s crucial to exercise caution when downloading from the internet. Always ensure that you’re downloading files from trusted sources to minimize the risk of malware or other security threats.

If you’re unsure about a file’s safety, consider scanning it with an antivirus program before opening it. Additionally, be wary of unsolicited email attachments or links, as they may contain harmful software.

FAQ

Can I set auto-open for multiple file types at once?

No, you’ll need to set the “Always open files of this type” option for each file type individually. Download a file of each type you want to auto-open and follow the steps outlined earlier in the article.

What should I do if I can’t find the “Always open files of this type” option?

If the option is missing or grayed out, it likely means that the file type cannot be set to auto-open due to security reasons. Executable files (.exe), compressed files (.zip, .rar), and batch files (.bat) are among the file types that cannot be automatically opened.

Will resetting Chrome remove my bookmarks and saved passwords?

No, resetting Chrome to its default settings will not delete your bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history. However, it will remove any custom settings you’ve applied, including auto-open preferences and download locations.

How can I ensure the safety of the files I download?

To minimize the risk of downloading malicious files, only download from trusted sources. Be cautious of unsolicited email attachments or links, and consider scanning downloaded files with an antivirus program before opening them. Keeping your operating system and browser updated can also help protect against security threats.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up Chrome to automatically open your downloaded files, saving you time and streamlining your browsing experience. Just remember to exercise caution when downloading files and always prioritize your computer’s security.