DOWNLOAD File Type

- The quick facts

What are DOWNLOAD files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a DOWNLOAD file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a DOWNLOAD file?

Files with the .download file extension normally contain files that are being downloaded by the Google Chrome Web browser. If you begin to download a file using the Chrome Download Manager and the file download does not download completely, the file will be given the .download file extension until the download can resume. When the download resumes and finishes, the Chrome Download Manager will rename the file with the proper file extension.

Other download utilities and P2P file-sharing programs have also been known to use the .download file extension for partially-downloaded Internet files. In all cases, the files are renamed with the proper file extension once the file has finished downloading to the user's computer.

How to open DOWNLOAD files

Important: Different programs may use files with the DOWNLOAD file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your DOWNLOAD file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different DOWNLOAD openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: March 17, 2022

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of DOWNLOAD files. Remember, different programs may use DOWNLOAD files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about DOWNLOAD file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.