Windows

Where Are IDM Downloads Stored?

IDM saves finished files to per category folders and keeps unfinished parts in a temporary folder. Configuration is kept in the registry.

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IDM organizes downloads into categories such as General, Video, and Music. Each category has its own target folder, and the General category defaults to the user Downloads folder.

Unfinished downloads sit in the temporary directory until completion. The category paths and the temporary path are visible under Options > Save To, and the download list plus options are stored in the registry.

Where Internet Download Manager stores this, by platform

Windows
C:\Users\<username>\Downloads

Default finished folder for the General category. Change each category separately in Options > Save To. <username> is the Windows account name.

Windows
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\IDM\DwnlData

Default temporary folder for unfinished download parts. Keep this folder plus the category folders to resume after reinstall. <username> is the Windows account name. AppData is hidden by default.

Windows
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\DownloadManager

Registry key with IDM options and the download list. Export it before a system reinstall to transfer settings.

Frequently asked questions

Why does IDM save to a different folder than I set?

Each category has its own path. Set the path for every category in Options > Save To or delete unused categories so all files use one folder.

How do I move IDM to a new PC without losing unfinished downloads?

Copy the temporary folder and all category folders to the same paths on the new PC, then import the saved DownloadManager registry key before starting IDM.

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