Detailed instructions on how to use Internet Download Manager

For any Windows user, IDM (Internet Download Manager) is an essential software tool, especially during computer reinstalls. IDM is recognized as the most powerful file downloader, known for accelerating downloads and seamlessly downloading videos. It is compatible with all popular browsers including Chrome, Coc Coc, Firefox, Opera, and Internet Explorer (IE).

This article provides a comprehensive guide from the basic features to advanced settings of IDM, helping you become more adept at using the Internet Download Manager.

Main Window Overview of Internet Download Manager

The main interface of the software presents a list of files that have been and are currently being downloaded. The list provides additional information such as file size, download status, estimated completion time, download speed, and more. You can rearrange the displayed information by clicking the column headings.

Detailed instructions on how to use Internet Download Manager
The main interface of Internet Download Manager.

Adding Downloads

To add new files for download, utilize the Add URL control button. Enter or paste the URL into the input box provided. If required, you can include the username and password for accessing files by ticking the "Use authorization" option.

Adding new download links to IDM
Add new links to simplify file downloads.

Toolbar Functions

Key components available on the main IDM toolbar include:

Function Description
Resume Resume a download that was previously paused or interrupted.
Stop Stop the download for a selected link.
Stop All Stop all downloads in progress.
Delete Remove one or more selected download links from the list.
Options Modify software settings such as file types to download, default save paths, and proxy settings. (Learn more about Options)

Organizing Downloads with Categories

The left side of the window displays a categorized chart of downloaded files. You may disable this feature by turning off the Categories window. IDM supports default categories associated with various file types including Music, Video, Programs, and Documents, which you can edit or create according to your needs.

Sorting downloaded files by category in IDM

Customizing the IDM Interface

The standard version of IDM offers various toolbar types including: Large 3D buttons, Small 3D buttons, Large Classic buttons, Small Classic buttons. Users can select their preferred theme or download additional ones from the homepage.

To customize the toolbar, right-click on it and adjust the options in the displayed dialog box:

Customize IDM toolbar preferences

How to Download with IDM

The download process can be initiated in several ways, including:

1) Automatic Download from Browsers

IDM integrates with popular browsers such as Internet Explorer, Opera, Mozilla, and more. It automatically captures download links when you click on them in the browser, thus initiating the download process.

IDM captures downloads from browsers

2) Manual Link Addition

If needed, you can add download links manually by selecting the Add URL feature. After entering the link, you can download it by clicking the OK button.

Manual link addition in IDM

3) Right Mouse Click Integration

IDM provides an option in the right-click context menu for browsers like IE and Mozilla to download files when automatic capture fails.

4) Drag and Drop Functionality

Utilize the Drop Target window by dragging links from browsers like IE to initiate downloads immediately.

Properties Dialog in IDM

The Properties Dialog appears when double-clicking a file in the download list, allowing updates of file location, URL, or description.

Options Dialog for Customization

The Options dialog allows you to tailor all configurations to fit your downloading needs. It includes seven tabs: General, File Types, Connection, Save To, Downloads, Proxy, Site Logins.

Download Completion Dialog

Once a download is completed, IDM displays the Download Complete dialog box. Here, you can select how to manage the downloaded file, including turning off the notification for future downloads.

IDM Download Complete Notification

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7 Comments

  1. Sidney Bear -

    Hahaha! My downloads used to take forever, but with IDM, I feel like a superhero!

  2. Tom Ngọc -

    Thank you for sharing! I’ve been using IDM for a while, but I learned how to optimize it

  3. JessieTheCat -

    Came here looking for help, and I’m happy to find such a thorough explanation! You made my life easier

  4. George & Friends -

    Great instructions! I’m so ready to dive deep into Internet Download Manager now

  5. SarahTheTechie -

    Love this guide! I plan on sharing it with my friends who often work with large files

  6. Emma P. -

    This post just made my day! Finally, I can tackle my download queue efficiently

  7. JackOnTheGo -

    Can you add a section about troubleshooting common errors in IDM? I sometimes face issues.

Leave a Comment

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