A .crdownload file is a temporary file Chrome creates while downloading something

When you download a file using Google Chrome, the browser doesn't save it with its final name right away. Instead, it creates a temporary file with a .crdownload extension — the "cr" stands for Chromium, the open-source project Chrome is built on. Once the download finishes, Chrome renames the file to its proper name and removes the .crdownload extension.

You should not try to open a .crdownload file while it's still downloading. The file is incomplete, and most programs won't recognize it. If you see a .crdownload file sitting on your computer that's not currently downloading, it usually means the download was interrupted or cancelled before it finished.

Key Takeaways

  • A .crdownload file is a temporary file Chrome creates during downloads and automatically renames once the download completes.
  • You cannot open a .crdownload file with most programs because it is incomplete and not yet in its final format.
  • If a .crdownload file remains on your disk after you close Chrome, the download was interrupted and you should restart it.
  • Renaming a .crdownload file to remove the extension will not make it usable if the download never finished.

Why the download stopped and left a .crdownload file behind

A .crdownload file that stays on your computer after you close Chrome means the download did not complete. This happens for several reasons: your internet connection dropped, you closed Chrome before the file finished downloading, the website stopped serving the file, or Chrome crashed.

The incomplete file sits there because Chrome cannot rename it to its final name until it has the whole thing. Deleting it is safe — it's just a temporary file — and you can restart the download from the website whenever you're ready.

How to restart a download that was interrupted

Open Chrome and go back to the website where you started the download. Look for the download link or button and click it again. Chrome will start a fresh download with a new .crdownload file. If the download completes this time, Chrome will automatically rename it and move it to your Downloads folder.

If the same download keeps stopping at the same point, the problem is usually on the website's side, not your computer. Try downloading the file in a different browser like Firefox or Edge. If it works there, the issue is specific to Chrome. If it fails in other browsers too, the file may be too large for your connection, or the website may be having trouble serving it.

Removing .crdownload files from your computer

You can safely delete any .crdownload file. Open your Downloads folder (usually in your user folder on Windows or Mac), find the .crdownload file, right-click it, and select Delete. The file is temporary and was never meant to stay on your disk.

If you have many old .crdownload files piling up, it usually means downloads are being interrupted regularly. Check whether your internet connection is stable, whether Chrome is crashing, or whether you're closing the browser before downloads finish. Once you fix the underlying problem, the .crdownload files should stop appearing.

What happens if you try to rename a .crdownload file

Some people try to rename a .crdownload file by removing the extension — for example, changing "document.pdf.crdownload" to "document.pdf" — hoping to open it. This will not work if the download never finished. The file is incomplete and does not contain all the data the program needs to read it.

If you rename an incomplete file and try to open it, you'll get an error message saying the file is corrupted or unreadable. The only solution is to delete it and download the file again from the beginning.

How to prevent .crdownload files from piling up

Most .crdownload files disappear on their own once the download finishes. To keep them from building up on your disk, make sure downloads are completing successfully. Check your internet connection before starting large downloads, avoid closing Chrome while files are downloading, and keep Chrome updated so it doesn't crash mid-download.

If you notice Chrome is crashing frequently, update it to the latest version. Open Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top right, select "About Google Chrome," and let it install any pending updates. Restart Chrome when prompted. Crashes are often fixed by updates, and once Chrome is stable, your downloads should finish without leaving .crdownload files behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a .crdownload file before the download finishes?

No. A .crdownload file is incomplete while Chrome is still downloading. Most programs will refuse to open it or will show an error. Wait for the download to finish, and Chrome will automatically rename the file so you can open it normally.

Is it safe to delete .crdownload files?

Yes, completely safe. A .crdownload file is temporary and was never meant to stay on your computer. Deleting it just removes an incomplete download. You can always download the file again if you need it.

Why does my download keep creating .crdownload files that never finish?

Your internet connection is likely dropping, Chrome is crashing, or the website is having trouble. Try the download on a different browser. If it works elsewhere, update Chrome. If it fails everywhere, the file may be too large for your connection, or the website may be down.

What if I rename a .crdownload file to remove the extension?

Renaming it will not make it usable if the download never finished. The file is incomplete and will not open. You'll get a corruption error. Delete it and download the file again from the start.