Try downloading a small file you own from Drive in the same Chrome profile. If it works but the shared file has no Download option, ask the owner about download permissions. If neither file downloads, open Chrome’s Downloads list to see whether the transfer started or failed.
01If the file opens but Download is missing
Section linkOwners can restrict downloading for viewers and commenters. Ask the owner to enable downloads or send you an authorized copy. In an editable Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file, use File > Download and select the format you need.
02If clicking Download does nothing in Chrome
Section linkOpen chrome://settings/cookies and look for Sites allowed to use third-party cookies. Add drive.google.com, reload Drive, and retry the small file. This limits the exception to Drive. If a work or school policy locks the setting, ask your administrator. If cookies were already allowed, briefly disable any content-blocking extension you can change and test again. Re-enable it after the test.
03If Chrome shows a failed download
Section linkRead the error in Chrome’s Downloads list. If the disk is full, free space or choose another download location. If Drive says too many users recently viewed or downloaded the file, wait and retry later or ask the owner for another copy. If Chrome flags an unsafe download, leave it blocked and check with the sender.
Sources & further reading
Put it into practice
Before you convert
A short checklist for choosing an image format and checking the result.
Download checklist (.txt)