DOWNLOAD File Extension

What is DOWNLOAD file?

File with DOWNLOAD extension contains partially downloaded data of a file for which the download process was paused or stopped. DOWNLOAD file may be located in the default download folder or a folder chosen be user when initiating the file download process. This extension is used by the following software applications:

• Web browsers, for example
  • Firefox,
  • Safari,
  • Chrome – older versions; currently the.CRDOWNLOAD extension is used
• P2P applications,
• Download managers.

The DOWNLOAD extension can be added to the full filename of target file or switched with the file’s original extension for the duration of download. It is sometimes possible to resume unfinished download process by double-clicking the DOWNLOAD file. Some types of file, for example video, audio, or ZIP archives, can be opened even if they didn’t download completely. In such case, one must change the DOWNLOAD suffix into the original one and open it with appropriate program.

Programs which support DOWNLOAD file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support DOWNLOAD files. DOWNLOAD files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/26/2022

How to open file with DOWNLOAD extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DOWNLOAD files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with DOWNLOAD files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Mozilla Firefox

Problems with opening and working with DOWNLOAD files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with DOWNLOAD files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Mozilla Firefox or one of the recommended programs (for example, Google Chrome, Safari, Chromium) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support DOWNLOAD files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Mozilla Firefox website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Mozilla Firefox

If you already have Mozilla Firefox installed on your systems and DOWNLOAD files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Mozilla Firefox cannot handle files with DOWNLOAD may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Mozilla Firefox is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open DOWNLOAD files to Mozilla Firefox

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate DOWNLOAD files with latest version of Mozilla Firefox you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the DOWNLOAD file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Mozilla Firefox is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DOWNLOAD files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the DOWNLOAD file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DOWNLOAD extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the DOWNLOAD file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DOWNLOAD file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The DOWNLOAD may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DOWNLOAD file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the DOWNLOAD file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the DOWNLOAD file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the DOWNLOAD file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Mozilla Firefox

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DOWNLOAD extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Partially Downloaded Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with DOWNLOAD files affecting older versions of given software.

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