Downloading a huge file —
Internet cuts out —
And you have to start all over?
Not always.
Here’s how to resume broken downloads without losing everything.
✅ 1. Use a download manager
Programs like:
-
Free Download Manager (FDM)
-
Internet Download Manager (IDM)
✅ These can:
-
Resume interrupted downloads
-
Reconnect and pick up where you left off
✅ 2. Check if the server supports resuming
Resumable downloads need server support.
-
Right-click download link → Properties → Check if “Accept-Ranges: bytes” is listed
-
Good servers allow partial downloads.
✅ If not resumable, you’ll have to restart — but managers handle it better.
✅ 3. Don’t delete partial files
When interrupted:
-
Keep
.part,.crdownload, or.tmpfiles -
Resume inside the same browser or download app
✅ Deleting partials forces a full restart.
✅ 4. Use browser’s built-in resume
-
Chrome: Downloads → Resume
-
Edge/Firefox: Similar option under Downloads
✅ Works if the server allows it and file wasn’t corrupted.
✅ 5. Split big downloads into parts
If possible:
-
Find downloads offered in smaller pieces
-
Download part-by-part
✅ Less chance of losing hours of progress.
Key points to remember
-
Always use download managers for large files
-
Resume depends on server support
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Save partial downloads until fully completed
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Browser resume helps if connection breaks temporarily
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Big downloads = plan ahead and back up when possible