If you are using Microsoft Edge as your default browser, you may have encountered an error message that says “Inet_E_download failure” when you try to access some websites. This error means that the browser failed to download the web page content from the server.
In this article, we’ll talk about the possible causes of the error and how to fix it easily and quickly. Most of the fixes that we will describe here are easy and require only a few clicks to finish.
What are the causes of Inet_E_download failure in Edge?
As we have explained in the opening paragraph, this error basically means that your Edge browser is unable to download the webpage for you to see.
There can be many reasons for this error, but some of the most common ones are as follows:
- Unstable internet connection.
- VPN or antivirus software.
- Cache issues.
- Faulty DNS settings on your computer.
- Malware.
Also read: Fix: Secure boot can be enabled when system in user mode
How to fix Inet_E_download failure in Edge?
Now that we know what are the potential causes of the error, let us head to the fixes.
Fix your internet connection
One of the very first steps that you should take is to fix the internet connection at your home or office. You may wonder what should I do or where should I start.
Follow the given steps to fix your internet connection:
- First, make sure that there isn’t any internet outage in your area. You can ask your Internet Service Provider for the information or you can visit their website.
- If there is no outage, it is time to check the hardware to ensure they are not damaged. Check all the hardware associated with the internet connection. That includes your router, modem, power cable, and the main power source, among others. Ensure that all the hardware is undamaged and working properly. If you notice any damage, change it asap to fix the Inet_E_download failure error.
- If the hardware is fine, then it is time to check the connections. Make sure that the cables are secured firmly in the proper ports.
- Sometimes, there is too much distance between the WiFi and the receiving device. Make sure that the distance is less. Or, you can directly connect the internet to your computer as it provides a more stable speed compared to WiFi.
- Also, remove any other electronic appliances that might interfere with the WiFi signals. While you are at it, place the WiFi on a raised platform so that the devices catch signals seamlessly.
- If there are many devices connected to your network, remove them before playing games on the internet, as the devices share the limited bandwidth of the plan. You can also think of upgrading your existing internet plan.
Fixing the internet should be your top priority while resolving the Inet_E_download failure error.
Disable antivirus software temporarily
Some antivirus software may block or interfere with downloading web page content from certain websites, especially if they are not trusted or secure. This can result in the Inet_E_download failure on Microsoft Edge.
To rule out this possibility, you can try temporarily disabling your antivirus software and see if that resolves the error.
Note: Disabling your antivirus software may expose your device to potential threats, so make sure to turn it back on as soon as possible after testing.
After disabling your antivirus software, restart Microsoft Edge and try to access the website again. If the error is gone, then you may need to adjust your antivirus settings or whitelist the website in question. If the error still occurs, re-enable your antivirus software and move on to the next solution.
Also read: How to fix Windows System Error 5?
Clear cache and cookies
Clearing cache and cookies can sometimes help fix the Inet_E_download failure error. Here are the steps to clear cache and cookies on Edge:
Step 1: In the Settings option, go to Privacy, search and services.
Step 2: Next, click on Choose what to clear.
Step 3: Tick all the options and then click on Clear Now.
Want to clear your browsing history too? Visit our article here.
Run SFC scan
SFC scan, also known as System File Checker scan, is a built-in Windows utility that is designed to scan and repair corrupted or damaged system files.
Running an SFC scan can help fix the Inet_E_download failure error message in Edge.
Here’s how to perform an SFC scan:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and then select Terminal.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problems, use the following command to resolve them:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthAlso read: How to set Out of Office in Teams?
Flush DNS
Flushing DNS resolves many internet connectivity issues and can fix the Inet_E_download failure issue. Here’s how you can flush DNS using the command prompt in Windows:
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and type in cmd.
Step 2: Use the commands ipconfig /flushdns to reset DNS settings to default.
If the above command doesn’t help, enter the following commands one at a time.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip resetIf you suspect an issue with your router’s DHCP assignment, use these commands to release your old IP and request a new one.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renewIf the above solution didn’t work, use the following commands to reset your network stack.
ipconfig/flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int ip reset C:\resetlog.txt
netsh winsock resetIf you are a Mac user, head to the Terminal and then type in sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Next, type in your password when prompted, and try re-accessing the internet.
Add the website to the trusted sites list
If you are visiting a website that your browser deems to be a security threat, then it won’t allow you to access it and you will see error messages like the Inet_E_download failure.
However, there is a turnaround that you can try.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R and then enter inetcpl.cpl and hit Enter.
Step 2: Head to the Security tab at the top and then head to Trusted sites > Sites.
Step 3: Next, enter the website’s name and press Add.
This will bypass the default security and you may be able to open the website.
Also read: Calendar app not working in Windows: Quick Fix
Run a malware scan
You can download any standard anti-virus on your computer and perform a quick or detailed scan to detect any malicious programs. This will certainly fix the Inet_E_download failure in Edge.
Windows also provide an in-built virus detection software. Type Windows Security in the taskbar search space and then click on the software. Here, select Virus and threat protection and then run a full scan.
Reset Edge browser
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reset your browser settings to their default values. This will erase any customizations or changes that you have made to your browser settings, such as extensions, themes, homepages, etc. Resetting your browser settings may also fix any corrupted or missing files that are causing the Inet_E_download failure error.
To reset your browser settings on Microsoft Edge, click on the three-dot button at the top right and then select Settings. Then head to Reset Settings and then click on Restore settings to their default values.
By following the above steps, you can quickly and easily fix the Inet_E_download failure in Microsoft Edge.
Also read: An error occurred while processing your request: Quick Fix
