---
id: data-transfers.download-needs-a-web-link-message
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-needs-a-web-link-message
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Downloads and large files"
question: "What does “Download needs a web link starting with http:// or https://” mean?"
alt_questions:
  - "Download needs a web link starting with http"
  - "download mode won't accept my folder"
  - "can I use Download for a cloud file"
  - "download from Google Drive with Download mode"
  - "why won't download mode take a path"
short_answer: "Download only takes a web address. For files in a cloud account or another folder, choose Copy or Move and pick the source with the folder or cloud buttons; for the web, paste a full http:// or https:// link."
tags: ["download", "error message", "link"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-file-from-a-link", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/link-points-at-a-folder-error", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/copy-vs-move-vs-sync"]
applies_to: "app>=4.16"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does “Download needs a web link starting with http:// or https://” mean?

The **Download** operation is only for fetching a file from a web address. You've typed a folder path or a cloud location into the **Link** field, which Download can't use.

- To bring files down from a connected cloud account or another folder, choose **Copy** (or Move) instead and pick the source with the folder or cloud buttons.
- To download from the web, paste a full link that begins with http:// or https://.

Related: [Download a file from a link](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-file-from-a-link) · [Copy, Move or Sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/copy-vs-move-vs-sync)