How to download files on Windows Server

Surely many people have encountered the problem that the default installed Internet Explorer browser on Windows Server does not allow you to download the desired file, let's fix it. In this article we will see how else to download a file using Windows Server 2019 as an example.

What are the ways to download?

You can use a variety of methods to download files on Windows Server, including:

1. Windows' built-in Internet Explorer browser. To do this, you need to open the browser, navigate to the site where the desired file is located, and click on the download link. The file will be saved to the default downloads folder.
2. Command line and PowerShell utility. To do this, open a command prompt or PowerShell, navigate to the folder where you want to save the file, and run the command "Invoke-WebRequest <URL file address> -OutFile <filename>". This command will download the file at the specified URL and save it under the specified name in the current folder
3. Third-party file download programs such as Free Download Manager or Internet Download Manager. These programs allow you to download files faster and more conveniently than a standard browser.

Before downloading files on Windows Server, you should make sure that they are secure and comply with your organization's security policies.

Downloading files

Connect to the remote server. Open Internet Explorer, select the recommended settings and click OK.

When trying to go to the site page we get another warning, leave the check mark and click OK.

After that the security system also shows an error, uncheck the item that will continue to send warnings and click Close.

If you try to download the file, you will get a message that the security settings do not allow you to do this action, click OK.

Next we need to find and select the gear in the top corner of the browser. Then click on the Internet options button.

A special window opens in front of us, go to the Security section.

Uncheck Enable Protected Mode and click on the Custom level button. In the window that opens, scroll down and look for these sections:

Set both of them to Enable.

Next, click OK to apply the settings, a warning will pop up:

Agree with the changes by selecting the Yes button.

In the last window of settings click Apply to fully apply the changes:

We again get a warning, agree and close the settings window. Now we can download any files from websites without any problems. First of all, don't forget to install a new browser!