A .crdownload file is a temporary file that 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, Chrome creates a temporary file with a .crdownload extension — the "cr" stands for Chromium, the open-source project Chrome is built on. This temporary file holds the data while the download is still in progress. Once the download finishes, Chrome renames the file to its real name and removes the .crdownload extension.
You'll see these files in your Downloads folder while a download is happening. They look like "document.pdf.crdownload" or "image.jpg.crdownload". The file size grows as more data arrives. Once the download completes successfully, the .crdownload file disappears and you're left with the finished file.
Key Takeaways
- A .crdownload file is Chrome's temporary placeholder for a file that is still downloading.
- These files are normal and expected — they do not indicate a problem or virus.
- The .crdownload file automatically disappears once the download finishes and Chrome renames the file to its real name.
- If a .crdownload file stays in your Downloads folder for days, the download was interrupted and you can safely delete it.
- You cannot open or use a .crdownload file — it only works as a temporary container during the download process.
Why Chrome uses temporary files during downloads
Chrome uses this temporary naming system to protect you from incomplete or corrupted files. If your internet connection drops halfway through downloading a large file, Chrome doesn't want to leave a broken file sitting in your Downloads folder with the real filename. Instead, the incomplete .crdownload file stays marked as temporary, so you know at a glance that something went wrong.
This approach also prevents other programs from trying to open or use a file before it's ready. If Chrome saved the file with its real name immediately, another program might try to open it while data is still arriving, which could cause errors or crashes.
What to do if you see a .crdownload file
If a download is currently happening, you will see the .crdownload file in your Downloads folder. This is completely normal. Do not try to open it or move it — just let Chrome finish. The file will disappear on its own once the download completes.
If you see a .crdownload file that has been sitting in your Downloads folder for several days without changing size, the download was interrupted and never finished. You can safely delete this file by right-clicking it and selecting Delete. The next time you download that file, Chrome will start fresh with a new .crdownload temporary file.
Other browsers use similar temporary files
Chrome is not the only browser that works this way. Firefox creates temporary files with a .part extension during downloads. Microsoft Edge uses .crdownload as well, since it is also built on Chromium. Safari on Mac creates files with a .download extension. All of these serve the same purpose: holding incomplete data until the download finishes.
The specific extension varies by browser, but the concept is identical. You should never see these temporary files in your folder after a download completes — they all disappear automatically once the real file is ready.
How to resume a interrupted download
If your internet drops during a large download, Chrome will usually offer to resume the download when your connection comes back. You'll see a notification asking whether you want to continue. Click "Resume" and Chrome will pick up where it left off, using the same .crdownload file.
If you close Chrome before the download finishes, the .crdownload file stays in your Downloads folder. The next time you try to download the same file, Chrome will recognize the incomplete .crdownload file and ask if you want to resume. This saves you from downloading the entire file again from the beginning.
When .crdownload files don't disappear
Occasionally a .crdownload file will remain in your Downloads folder even after you thought the download finished. This usually happens if the download was interrupted without Chrome noticing — for example, if your computer went to sleep or the network connection dropped suddenly. The file is now stuck and will not finish on its own.
To clean this up, open your Downloads folder, right-click the .crdownload file, and select Delete. There is no risk in deleting it — it is just an incomplete temporary file. If you need the file, you can download it again and Chrome will create a fresh .crdownload file for the new attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a .crdownload file a virus or malware?
No. A .crdownload file is a normal, harmless temporary file that Chrome creates during every download. It is not a virus, malware, or security threat. If your antivirus software flags a .crdownload file, it is likely a false alarm — the file is just incomplete data waiting to be renamed.
Can I open a .crdownload file before the download finishes?
No. A .crdownload file is incomplete and cannot be opened or used. Trying to open it will either fail or show corrupted data. You must wait for the download to finish, at which point Chrome will rename the file and you can open the real version.
Why does my .crdownload file keep growing and shrinking?
A file size that changes erratically usually means your internet connection is unstable. Chrome is downloading data, losing connection, and retrying. If this keeps happening, try moving closer to your router or restarting your modem. Once the download completes, the .crdownload file will disappear.
What if I delete a .crdownload file by accident?
If you delete a .crdownload file while a download is in progress, Chrome will stop the download and the file will be gone. You can start the download again from the beginning. If the .crdownload file was already finished (which should not happen, but sometimes does), you will need to download the file again.
Do I need to do anything to clean up old .crdownload files?
No. Old .crdownload files should disappear automatically once downloads finish. If you see one that has been there for days, it is safe to delete manually. Deleting old .crdownload files will not affect any completed downloads or other files on your computer.