Windows 10: Unable to download any pdf or exe file from any browser

Recently, I've realized whenever I try to access any PDF or download any EXE file using Windows 10, it never downloads.

It's constantly stuck in "Waiting for connection", it happens in all browsers (Chrome, Mozilla, Edge).

However, if I boot up a virtual machine using VM Virtual Box, I can download and access these same files in Ubantu.

What is causing this? I've tried disabling all anti-viruses, firewalls, doing a Malwarebytes scan etc.

Nothing seems to work. Driving me nuts!

:)

 

Unable to download any file type from any browser

Windows 10 has always worked fine for me until the last update came out. It was quite a big update, and there have not been any updates since. Ever since this update, i have been unable to download ANY files from ANY browser. When i attempt to download,
that download options bar comes up, but doesn't do anything, doesn't show a download percentage, doesn't open file explorer if i click SAVE AS. Also, when i close the browser, previously having failed to download files, it says ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO CLOSE
THIS PAGE, YOUR FILES ARE STILL DOWNLOADING. It has been troubling me for months now, and had several experts look at it, some of which were able to fix it temporarily, but it came back after a few days. i am completely stumped on what to do.

 

Unable to download any file type from any browser

Hello Alexander,

The Windows update that you recently installed may have caused some changes in your system settings, which prevents you from downloading any file in the Internet. To resolve this, kindly clear
Internet Cache, Temporary Files, Cookies, and History.

It is also advised that you choose a different download location and see if that helps. Maybe your download folder has become corrupted or has some other problem. If you are using a
Download Manager, disable it and check if that resolves the issue. If you are very sure that the file is safe, kindly disable Firewall and or your antivirus or security software temporarily and see if the download proceeds.

If the issue persists, kindly get back to us.