If your files are hosted externally, such as AWS, sometimes the zip function doesn't work because the AWS WooCommerce integration requires downloads redirect to the file. Is this the case with you?

No, all the files are based on the server for me. no external files. this also always used to work up until 1-2 weeks ago.

Not sure what it could be then mate. Perform this test for me.

Create an order for one of your free products you're having trouble with and assign it to you. Go to your account page and download the file for that sale, from the purchased downloads table.

Let me know the result.

I am having the same problem with every product on my store. however my store does not have accounts and the downloads are direct so i am not sure how i can do your test?

So you do not think it is the plugin? i will also contact the hoster in that case to see if there is a problem server side that is limiting downloads.

You can test it with your own account.

Edit:

This is so you can test if file downloads actually work, when not using my free download method. So download an order file from your account.

It seems downloads are working like normal. is there maybe a way i can turn off direct download and rather when pressing the link have people go to a new tab where they can right click and save image? this is mostly for testing but i feel like there is a problem with the plugin because i also checked with my hoster who made no changes. turning off caching and cdn also makes no difference and i tried every setting in the plugin and no difference.