You’re about to download a file.
But… can you really trust that link?
Before clicking anything, here’s how to check if a download link is safe, legit, and malware-free.
✅ 1. Hover before you click
On PC:
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Hover your mouse over the download button
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Look at the bottom-left of your browser → shows the actual URL
Check for:
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Misspelled domains
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Suspicious endings (
.xyz,.click,.top) -
Redirects (like
bit.ly,tinyurl, etc.)
✅ 2. Use a link scanner
Paste the link into:
These check the link against multiple antivirus engines and domain blacklists.
✅ 3. Watch out for forced downloads
If clicking automatically starts a file download without asking:
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Cancel the download
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Re-check the page — legit sites ask before downloading
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Especially suspicious if the file is
.exe,.scr,.bat,.apk, etc.
✅ 4. Avoid “download managers”
Fake download buttons often lead to:
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Third-party “Download Managers”
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Installers that bundle adware or Trojans
✅ Always download direct from the developer, not mirrors.
✅ 5. Use browser protections
Turn on:
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Chrome → “Enhanced Protection” in Security settings
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Firefox → “Phishing and Malware Protection”
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Edge → “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen”
These often warn you before visiting dangerous download pages.
Key points to remember
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Always hover and preview download links
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Scan links before clicking using trusted tools
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Skip sites that force downloads or use URL shorteners
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Use browser protections for extra safety
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Trust official sources — not the fastest button