Internet Explorer 11 Downloading Issue

The behaviour of Internet Explorer 11 has changed of late, probably after some Windows updates.
When I attempt to download pictures or software from legitimate sites such as Flickr, Adobe or AVG for example, I receive the “This file can’t be downloaded” error message. This did not happen in the past.

Most references to this problem suggest as a solution to reset IE completely – I tried this and the problem remains.
I tried running IE without add-ons and that did not help.
I temporarily disabled my AVG Internet Security software – no help.
I did a system restore, but no help as my restore points don’t go back far enough.

The only workarounds I am able to find are

1. Run IE11 as administrator
2. Uncheck “Enable Protected Mode” under IE security tab

Both remove the problem though I don’t like either.

It would appear that lots of people experience the same issue but I have not been able to find a solution, only the workarounds above.
Is anyone able to assist?

Hum, after "upgrading" to Windows 10 on my wife's PC she can't get Internet Explorer 11 to even run. I set up my very same model PC a month ago and my IE 11 runs fine. Seems like M$ is adrift in dumb ideas.

PeterAstle,

.............. “This file can’t be downloaded” error message....................

Is this the complete error message ?

Give this a try:
Open IE11 > Tools > SmartScreen Filter > Check/tick Turn off SmartScreen Filer

Will that help ?

Thanks for your response.
I tried to follow your suggestion, but in my version of IE11 under "Tools" there is no SmartScreen Filter option so I was unable to follow this through.

Thank you.
I see that there are in fact two different "Tools" menus. I found the one you referred to and turned off SmartScreen Filter. Unfortunately it didn't solve the download issue

Sorry that I am of no use to you.

Please wait a bit for someone to come along.

Good luck.