Configure Chrome’s download preferences with an absolute, writable directory, run Chrome with --headless=new, and wait for the file to finish before quitting the driver. ChromeDriver starts a download but does not wait for its completion, so a reliable Ruby script must detect a completed file—or use Selenium only to obtain the download URL and cookies, then transfer the bytes with an HTTP client.
What you need before writing the script
Use compatible browser, driver and Selenium versions
Keep Chrome and ChromeDriver on the same major version. For Chrome 115 and later, Chrome and ChromeDriver releases for each channel are distributed through the Chrome for Testing availability dashboard and its JSON endpoints. Selenium supports Chrome 75 and later, but that broad compatibility statement does not replace checking the current major-version match.
Selenium Manager has been shipped with Selenium since version 4.6. When no driver is supplied, it is the normal fallback for locating or managing one. A manually installed driver can still be placed on PATH or supplied through Selenium’s service configuration when your CentOS environment requires pinned binaries.
CentOS is a platform constraint, not a single package recipe
The exact browser libraries and repository steps depend on your CentOS release and whether you use Google Chrome, Chromium, or an internally packaged build. Do not copy a yum or dnf recipe without checking that release’s supported repositories and system libraries. The Ruby and Selenium code below is distribution-neutral once a working Chrome/ChromeDriver pair is available.
#1 Best Overall
- FULL HD IPS DISPLAY - Enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide-viewing angles
- AMD RYZEN 3 30 PROCESSOR - Everyday performance you can count on; Multitask, stream, game casually, and edit photos smoothly with responsive power and vibrant HDR visuals
- ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 610M GRAPHICS - Experience smooth entertainment; Built for streaming and multitasking, enjoy realistic visuals and efficient performance for work and play
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Choose an ordinary download directory
Pass a unique, absolute Linux path that the account running Ruby can create and write. ChromeDriver documents a Linux-specific restriction on certain locations, including home-directory paths; the forbidden list can change. A dedicated temporary directory such as /tmp/chrome-download-... is safer than a home or desktop directory. Relative paths may not work reliably.
Configure headless Chrome to save downloads
The following script uses the Selenium Ruby bindings’ documented Selenium::WebDriver::Chrome::Options and add_preference pattern. It creates a unique directory for each run, suppresses the save prompt, clicks a download link, and waits until a non-temporary file has a stable size.
require 'selenium-webdriver'
require 'tmpdir'
require 'timeout'
# A unique, absolute directory avoids collisions between parallel jobs.
download_dir = Dir.mktmpdir('chrome-download-')
options = Selenium::WebDriver::Chrome::Options.new
options.add_argument('--headless=new')
options.add_preference(:download,
prompt_for_download: false,
default_directory: download_dir
)
driver = Selenium::WebDriver.for(:chrome, options: options)
begin
driver.navigate.to('https://example.test/downloads')
# Replace this selector with the link or button in your application.
driver.find_element(css: 'a[data-download]').click
deadline = Time.now + 90
completed_file = nil
previous_size = nil
stable_reads = 0
until Time.now > deadline
candidates = Dir.children(download_dir)
.reject { |name| name.end_with?('.crdownload', '.tmp', '.part') }
.map { |name| File.join(download_dir, name) }
.select { |path| File.file?(path) }
if (candidate = candidates.max_by { |path| File.mtime(path) })
size = File.size(candidate)
if size > 0 && size == previous_size
stable_reads += 1
else
stable_reads = 0
end
previous_size = size
if stable_reads >= 2
completed_file = candidate
break
end
end
sleep 0.5
end
raise Timeout::Error, "download did not finish in #{download_dir}" unless completed_file
puts "Downloaded #{completed_file} (#{File.size(completed_file)} bytes)"
ensure
driver.quit
# Validate or move completed_file before deleting download_dir.
endReplace the example URL and selector with the page you control. In production, also verify the filename, extension, size range, and—when applicable—a checksum or archive listing. If a site can trigger several downloads, identify the expected filename rather than accepting the newest file.
Why waiting for completion is mandatory
Chrome writes an in-progress download under a temporary name, commonly ending in .crdownload. ChromeDriver does not wait for that operation to finish. Calling driver.quit immediately after a click can therefore leave a partial file or no usable file at all. Polling for the expected output and confirming that its size remains unchanged for multiple reads avoids the most common race.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Use a timeout and preserve diagnostics
A finite timeout prevents a hung page from blocking a CI job forever. On timeout, retain the directory long enough to inspect temporary files, browser logs, the current URL, and the page’s visible error. Delete the directory only after your validation and diagnostics have completed.
Rank #2
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
- 14" HD Display: 14.0-inch diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), micro-edge, anti-glare. See your digital world in a whole new way. Enjoy movies and photos with the great image quality and high-definition detail of 1 million pixels.
- Memory & Storage: 4 GB LPDDR4x & 64 GB eMMC Storage. Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. An embedded multimedia card provides reliable flash-based storage.
- Ports:2 x USB 3.0 Type-A，1 x USB 3.0 Type-C，1 x HDMI，1 x Headphone Jack
- Chrome OS: Chromebook is a computer for the way the modern world works, with thousands of apps. Enjoy the seamless simplicity that comes with Google Chrome and Android apps, all integrated into one laptop. It’s fast, simple, and secure.
Do not infer success from the click
A click can open a login page, return an HTML error document, be intercepted by a bot check, or be disabled by JavaScript. Treat the completed file as the success condition and inspect its content type or signature when the format matters.
When Selenium should not transfer the file
Selenium’s WebDriver API does not expose download progress. Selenium’s file-download guidance notes that clicking under browser control is possible but is less suitable for tests that must inspect downloaded bytes. A more deterministic pattern is to let Selenium locate the link and establish authentication, then download the resource with an HTTP client.
Ruby HTTP transfer with Selenium cookies
This example navigates to a page, obtains the link URL and session cookies, and streams the response to disk. It is appropriate when the browser interaction is only needed for login, redirects, or JavaScript that reveals the final URL.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesrequire 'selenium-webdriver'
require 'net/http'
require 'uri'
options = Selenium::WebDriver::Chrome::Options.new
options.add_argument('--headless=new')
driver = Selenium::WebDriver.for(:chrome, options: options)
begin
driver.navigate.to('https://example.test/account/files')
href = driver.find_element(css: 'a[data-download]').attribute('href')
cookie_header = driver.manage.all_cookies
.map { |cookie| "#{cookie[:name]}=#{cookie[:value]}" }
.join('; ')
uri = URI.parse(href)
request = Net::HTTP::Get.new(uri)
request['Cookie'] = cookie_header unless cookie_header.empty?
request['User-Agent'] = driver.execute_script('return navigator.userAgent')
Net::HTTP.start(uri.host, uri.port, use_ssl: uri.scheme == 'https') do |http|
http.request(request) do |response|
response.value # raises for 4xx/5xx responses
File.open('/tmp/result.bin', 'wb') do |file|
response.read_body { |chunk| file.write(chunk) }
end
end
end
ensure
driver.quit
endForward only the cookies and headers the endpoint needs. Some applications require an Authorization header, a CSRF token, or a referer; obtain those from the page’s documented flow rather than blindly copying every browser header. The HTTP client gives you status codes, headers, streaming, and direct content validation that WebDriver does not provide.
Headless mode details on current Chrome
Selenium’s Chrome documentation lists --headless=new as the current headless argument. Chrome’s headless implementation now shares the regular Chrome implementation. Beginning with Chrome 132, the old implementation is available separately as the chrome-headless-shell binary; it is not the normal Chrome executable. Unless you specifically need that shell, use the current Chrome binary with --headless=new.
Rank #3
- Stunning 15.6" FHD IPS Display: Experience crisp 1920x1080 resolution on this 15.6 inch laptop with an IPS panel that delivers wide viewing angles and vivid colors. The narrow-bezel design maximizes screen real estate for comfortable viewing on this Win 11 laptop, whether you're studying or working.
- Celeron J4105 Processor & 256GB SSD: Powered by a reliable Celeron J4105 processor paired with 12GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 SSD. This laptop computer supports SSD expansion up to 2TB and TF card expansion up to 1TB, so your storage grows with your needs. Delivers smooth multitasking for daily productivity.
- AI-Powered Win 11 Laptop: Built-in AI features enhance your productivity with smart assistance for writing, summarizing, and task management. Pre-installed with Win 11 and includes Office 365 subscription. This student laptop is backed by 1-year warranty and 24/7 customer support.
- All-Day 7000mAh Battery & 180° Hinge: The high-capacity 7000mAh battery keeps this laptop powered through long classes or meetings. The 180-degree lay-flat hinge lets you share your screen effortlessly during presentations. This durable laptop computer adapts to your dynamic workflow.
- Versatile Connectivity Hub: Equipped with USB 3.2, Type-C, Mini HDMI, and 3.5mm audio jack to connect all your peripherals. Stay online anywhere with high-speed 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2. This college laptop keeps you connected at home, in the library, or on the go.
Download reliability checklist
- Use a unique absolute directory for each run and verify that the Ruby account can write to it.
- Keep Chrome and ChromeDriver on the same major version.
- Set
prompt_for_download: falseand the fulldefault_directory. - Wait for the expected file, not merely for the click event.
- Ignore temporary suffixes such as
.crdownloadwhile polling. - Require a stable size across more than one poll and impose a finite timeout.
- Validate status, filename, content type, magic bytes, or checksum before using the file.
- In parallel jobs, never share one download directory unless each job has a collision-proof filename.
- Use the HTTP-client approach when the test’s real assertion concerns file bytes rather than the browser download UI.
Common failures and precise fixes
Chrome starts, but no file appears
Confirm that the selector clicked the intended element and that the page did not open a new tab, require a login, or display a consent or bot-check screen. Log the current URL and page title, and inspect the directory for a lingering .crdownload file. Verify the configured directory is absolute and writable.
The script finds a partial file
Do not treat directory appearance as completion. Continue polling until the temporary suffix disappears and the size is unchanged for multiple intervals. Increase the timeout for large files or slow servers.
Recommended Free Tools
Chrome reports a session or driver error
Check the browser and driver major versions first. For Chrome 115+, obtain both from the same Chrome for Testing channel where possible, or allow Selenium Manager to resolve the driver when your environment permits it. If policy requires a fixed binary, put the matching driver on PATH or configure Selenium’s service explicitly.
The directory is ignored or Chrome refuses it
Choose a normal, dedicated directory outside the home or desktop locations called out in ChromeDriver’s Linux caveat. Pass the full path, create it before starting Chrome, and verify ownership and permissions for the account running the job.
The downloaded “file” is actually HTML
Read the response or file signature before processing it. A redirect to a login page, an authorization failure, or a bot challenge can produce a successful-looking file with the wrong content. Switch to the cookie-and-HTTP-client pattern when authentication or response inspection is central to the test.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Computing: Powered by Intel N150 processor with up to 3.6 GHz Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, and 4 threads, this HP laptop delivers responsive performance for web browsing, streaming, document editing, and multitasking. Paired with 4GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB UFS storage, it handles daily tasks smoothly. Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and cloud storage to maximize your productivity.
- 14-Inch HD Micro-Edge Display:Enjoy clear visuals on the 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) anti-glare screen with 250-nit brightness and 62.5% sRGB coverage. The micro-edge bezel delivers a 79% screen-to-body ratio in a compact design. An HP True Vision 720p HD camera with noise reduction and dual-array microphones supports clear video calls, remote work, and online learning.
- Modern Connectivity and Wireless Technology: Stay connected with Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless pairing with accessories. Versatile port selection includes 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps with DisplayPort 1.2 for external displays, 2 USB Type-A 5Gbps ports for peripherals, 1 HDMI 1.4b port, 1 headphone/microphone combo jack, and 1 multi-format SD media card reader. Connect monitors, transfer files quickly, and expand your workspace with ease.
- All-Day Battery Life and Portable Design: Enjoy up to 11 hours of video playback, 7.5 hours of mixed usage, or 7.5 hours of wireless streaming on a single charge, perfect for students and professionals on the go. Weighing just 3.24 lb and measuring 12.76" x 8.86" x 0.71", this lightweight laptop fits easily in backpacks and bags. The stylish willow green top cover with matte finish and natural silver keyboard deck with vertical brushing pattern offer a modern, professional look.
- AI-Enhanced Productivity: Access Microsoft Copilot instantly with the dedicated Copilot key for faster assistance. AI Noise Reduction filters background sounds and improves voice clarity during calls. Dual speakers provide clear audio, while the full-size natural silver keyboard and HP Imagepad support comfortable typing and navigation.
It works locally but fails in CI
Compare the Chrome major version, driver path, user account, writable directories, and available shared memory between environments. Print the effective download path and retain the failed run’s temporary directory. Do not assume a home-directory path exists or is permitted in a service account.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallPerformance, cleanup and cost considerations
Browser-managed downloads launch a full browser and are best when navigation, JavaScript, authentication, or the actual download gesture is under test. They cost more CPU and startup time than an HTTP request. Once you have a stable authenticated URL, streaming with an HTTP client avoids rendering overhead and makes retries and byte-level assertions easier.
Use one browser session for related navigation, but isolate download directories between parallel workers. Move a validated file to durable storage before removing the temporary directory. For large artifacts, stream directly to disk instead of buffering the response in memory.
Or skip the browser setup
ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server, not a file-download replacement for authenticated binary artifacts. It is useful when the goal is a rendered image or PDF of a page rather than the page’s downloadable payload. One GET request returns PNG, JPEG, WebP, or PDF; the API accepts the URL and access key as query parameters.
cURL (see the ScreenshotNeo documentation for all options):
Best Value
- Designed for mobility with a slim 0.71-inch profile and lightweight, making it easy to carry between home, office
- 【Versatile Connectivity】Stay connected with multiple ports including USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-A, HDMI, and a headphone/mic combo jack, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless networking.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpPython:
import requests
r = requests.get("https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot", params={"access_key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "url": "https://stripe.com"}, timeout=90)
r.raise_for_status()
open("shot.webp", "wb").write(r.content)Node.js:
const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);
if (!res.ok) throw new Error(`${res.status} ${res.statusText}`);
require('fs').writeFileSync('shot.webp', Buffer.from(await res.arrayBuffer()));Before capture, ScreenshotNeo can accept cookie or consent banners and remove more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets; each step can be disabled. Bot checks or CAPTCHAs, blank pages, timeouts, failed loads, and cache hits are not billed as clean shots, and response headers identify the page verdict and billing state. Its MCP server provides take_screenshot, get_page_info, and capture_pdf tools to Claude, Cursor, and other MCP clients. The Free plan includes 1,000 shots per month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots, and every feature is included on every plan. Create a free ScreenshotNeo account.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a relative download path?
Use an absolute path. ChromeDriver’s documentation warns that relative paths may not work reliably, and Linux locations such as home directories can be disallowed.
Does Selenium provide a download-progress event?
No. WebDriver does not expose download progress; poll the filesystem or transfer the resource with an HTTP client after obtaining the URL and cookies.
Is --headless=new still the right argument?
It is the current Selenium Chrome option. Since Chrome 132, the old headless implementation is a separate chrome-headless-shell binary.
Should every CentOS installation use the same Chrome package commands?
No. Browser packages and supported libraries vary by CentOS release. Verify the release-specific official package and browser support before installing anything.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
