CRDOWNLOAD files are partial files that Chrome creates while a download is in progress. Chrome removes the extension when the download finishes. Files that remain in this state mean the download stopped. Resume the download from the Chrome download menu or start it again from the source site.
You open your Downloads folder and find a file that ends in .crdownload. Windows cannot open it and the real file is missing.
This guide explains what the extension means and lists the Chrome steps for an interrupted download.
What is a CRDOWNLOAD File?
Chrome saves a download under a temporary name while data arrives. Names follow the pattern filename.extension.crdownload. Chrome shows a report saved as budget.xlsx as budget.xlsx.crdownload until the transfer ends.
Chrome renames the file when the download finishes. Chrome documentation does not describe the .crdownload extension. This naming reflects common Chrome behavior and not an official statement.
Why does the Download Stop?
- Unstable connection. Google states that Chrome resumes a download automatically when the connection recovers.
- Disk full. Google lists a Disk full message and advises that you delete files and empty the Trash.
- Security stop. Google lists a security message when settings or a virus scanner stop the file.
- Missing or forbidden file. Either the file is gone from the site or the server denies permission.
How do You Fix a CRDOWNLOAD File That will Not Open?
Chrome documentation lists fixes for download errors. See fix file download errors.
- Check your internet connection and try the download later.
- Open the Download in progress menu in Chrome.
- Point to the paused file and select Resume.
- Start the download again from the source site when Resume is not available.
- Free disk space if Chrome reports Disk full.
- Save the file to a folder you can access like Desktop or Documents if Chrome reports insufficient permissions.
Can You Rename the File to Open It?
No. Renaming changes the name only. Missing data remains missing and the application that opens the file sees a damaged file. Download the file again instead.
Delete the leftover .crdownload file after the new download finishes. For other Chrome topics see what the Chromium browser is. If a download was a document you lost see how to recover deleted data from a desktop computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CRDOWNLOAD File?
CRDOWNLOAD files are partial files that Chrome creates while a download is in progress.
Can I Open a CRDOWNLOAD File?
No. Incomplete files give no application any real content.
How do I Resume a Chrome Download?
Open the Download in progress menu, point to the paused file and select Resume.
Does Renaming the File Work?
No. Renaming does not add the missing data.
Is It Safe to Delete a CRDOWNLOAD File?
Yes after you download the file again or when you no longer need it.
Key Takeaways
- CRDOWNLOAD files mean the Chrome download stopped before the end.
- Resume the download from the Chrome download menu.
- Download again from the source site when Resume is not available.
- Renaming the file does not restore the missing data.
- Chrome documentation lists fixes for disk full and security messages.
Sources and References
Fixes follow Chrome documentation. That page does not describe the .crdownload extension and the file naming reflects common behavior.
- Fix file download errors (Chrome support page) support.google.com