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Starting September, Chrome has started blocking the download of some file types (eg. .exe) even with Safe Browsing turned off. Previously Chrome would block downloads if they were suspected of being malicious or dangerous.

It seems after Sept. 1 the Safe Browsing setting is no longer respected and Chrome will aggressively block some filetypes regardless.

Chrome will also not notify you if the file was blocked. Leading you to believe nothing has happened when you click a link to download a file. You must press CTRL+J to open the Downloads window, where you will see the file is blocked.

If you want to download the file, you must click "Keep" and then a second time "Keep Anyway".

Colleagues of mine are now discussing what to do about Chrome's forced hand-holding. Obviously we need to be able to download things like Microsoft Teams, Notion, Tailscale etc. all of which have been silently blocked by the browser.