How to open a .part file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .part file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands PART. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .part file is a Partial Download File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads PART yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .part file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .part. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with Resume the download or the download manager that made it.
On Mac, use Resume the download.
On Linux, try Resume the download.
Still stuck? Search for a dedicated PART viewer.

Best apps to open .part files

Windows

Resume the download
the download manager that made it

macOS

Resume the download

Linux

Resume the download

Before you open it: Usually harmless, but incomplete. A .part cannot be trusted as a whole file; finish the download and check the completed file instead.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .part file?

Almost always because no installed app understands PART. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .part file?

Normally you do not. Let the download finish, which renames it to the real file. A leftover .part is an unfinished download.

Can I recover a .part file?

Sometimes. If it is nearly complete, renaming it to the real extension may partly work, but the missing end usually makes it unusable. Re-downloading is more reliable.