How to Block the Browser’s Built-In Download Function (Partial Prevention)

Trying to stop users from downloading files directly using right-click or the browser bar?

While you can’t fully block browser downloads, you can limit access and discourage misuse.

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✅ 1. Disable right-click and save-as

Add to your page:

✅ Prevents quick “Save As” or “Open in new tab” options.

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✅ 2. Obfuscate direct file URLs

• Serve files via PHP scripts (e.g., download.php?token=abc123)

• Don’t expose direct .zip or .exe URLs in HTML

✅ Harder to copy/share raw links.

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✅ 3. Set proper content-disposition headers

Force download in response:

✅ Prevents browser from auto-opening file types (like PDFs).

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✅ 4. Use file access protection

• Require login before download

• Use tokens or cookies that expire

✅ Prevents raw access via copy-pasted links.

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✅ 5. Accept that total prevention = impossible

• Browsers are designed to download

• Focus on limiting access, not fighting the browser

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Key points to remember

• Use PHP to serve files dynamically

• Obfuscate links and enforce login

• Disable right-click to discourage casual misuse

• Remember: protection is about friction, not perfection