Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Loading WordPress Tries to Download a File

If you're facing an issue where your WordPress site tries to download a file instead of loading like it's supposed to, don't worry. This is a common problem that can be easily resolved.

The issue usually occurs when there is a problem with your site's headers. Headers are a part of HTTP protocol that contain information about the request and the response. If there is an issue with the headers, it could result in the browser treating the page as a downloadable file.

Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

Check Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache web servers. Open the file and make sure that there's no code that forces downloads on pages. Look for the following lines of code:

AddType application/octet-stream .csv AddType application/octet-stream .xls AddType application/octet-stream .doc

If you find any of these lines in your .htaccess file, comment them out by putting a "#" in front of each line. Save the file and reload your homepage. If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

Check Plugins

Sometimes, a plugin can be causing this issue on your site. Deactivate all your plugins and see if the issue persists. If it doesn't, reactivate your plugins one by one to isolate the offending plugin.

Contact Your Web Host

In some cases, the issue could be due to your web host. Contact your web host and let them know about the issue you're facing. They might be able to help you resolve the issue.

In conclusion, if your WordPress site is trying to download a file instead of loading, there's likely an issue with your headers. Check your .htaccess file, deactivate plugins, and contact your web host if you're still facing the issue. With these steps, you should be able to restore your site's normal functionality.