In early August, Google discreetly shifted Chrome’s download notifications from a prominent bottom-of-screen bar to a smaller icon in the top-right corner. While this change might suit some, others find it less convenient. Fortunately, reverting to the classic download bar is a simple process involving Chrome’s experimental settings, known as “flags.”
alt text: Chrome flag settings for download notifications
Chrome flags offer advanced customization options, allowing users to fine-tune browser behavior. However, proceed with caution, as these experimental features can sometimes lead to unexpected results. In this case, though, it provides a straightforward solution to restore the familiar download bar.
How to Revert to the Old Chrome Download Notifications
Follow these steps to bring back the bottom-of-screen download bar:
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Access Chrome Flags: Type
chrome://flags/#download-bubbleinto the address bar and press Enter. This will take you directly to the relevant setting. -
Disable Download Bubble: Locate the “Enable download bubble” setting. Click the dropdown menu and select “Disabled.”
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Relaunch Chrome: Restart your browser for the changes to take effect. You should now see download progress in the bottom bar as before.
alt text: Chrome download bar at the bottom of the window
Further Chrome Customization
Restoring the download bar is just one way to personalize Chrome. Numerous other tweaks can enhance your browsing experience. Consider exploring options to speed up Chrome performance or adding extensions for improved functionality. These adjustments often require minimal effort but can significantly impact your overall browsing satisfaction.
