TORRENT File Extension

What is TORRENT file?

Files with the .TORRENT extension contain metadata, information on other data – files and folders, which are to be distributed within a network based on BitTorrent. The may also include data on trackers – addressees of computers which help to localise files within the network.

TORRENT files do not contain the data that is going to be downloaded, but instead:

• Name of the file or files that will be downloaded, along with its path - files, name, path,
• Information on parts that the file will be divided into - piece length,
• Size in baits - length,
• Information about structure of the catalogue - info,
• List of SHA1 hashes calculated for each part of the file, in order to verify its integrity after being downloaded - pieces,
• Trackers URL – announce.

Additional information

BitTorrent files can also have some of the extensions described in the specification. Logic of a TORRENT network is based on decentralising its location, thus enabling users to establish peer-to-peer connections in order to download and share data they are interested in. Each downloaded part of a file is being verified and further shared.

Programs which support TORRENT file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with TORRENT files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with TORRENT extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 08/26/2019

How to open file with TORRENT extension?

Being unable to open files with TORRENT extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with TORRENT extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with TORRENT files.

Step 1. Install BitTorrent software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports TORRENT files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select BitTorrent or one of the recommended programs (for example, Vuze, BitComet, uTorrent) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download BitTorrent installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit BitTorrent, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of BitTorrent and update if needed

If you already have BitTorrent installed on your systems and TORRENT files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why TORRENT files are not compatible with BitTorrent. The most recent version of BitTorrent is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign BitTorrent to TORRENT files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate TORRENT files with latest version of BitTorrent you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the TORRENT with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where BitTorrent is installed, check the Always use this app to open TORRENT files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the TORRENT file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with TORRENT extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the TORRENT file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

Should it happed that the TORRENT is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. TORRENT file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the TORRENT file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with TORRENT extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the BitTorrent Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle BitTorrent

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with BitTorrent Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with TORRENT files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the TORRENT file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on TORRENT file.