Internet Download Manager
Internet Download Manager (IDM) is a commercial Windows-based download manager software developed by Tonec Inc., designed to accelerate file downloads from the internet by up to eight times through dynamic segmentation of files into multiple parts for simultaneous retrieval.[1] It supports resuming interrupted downloads due to lost connections, network problems, or power outages, and includes advanced error recovery to ensure reliable completion of transfers.[1] IDM integrates with extensions for major web browsers including Google Chrome (manual setup may be required as of 2025), Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, capturing download links and enabling one-click additions to its queue.[2] Developed by Tonec Inc., a software company founded in the United States, IDM was first released in 2001 as a tool to enhance download efficiency in an era of growing internet usage and slower connection speeds.[3][4] Since its inception, the program has evolved through regular updates, with the company maintaining a weekly check for improvements and bug fixes to adapt to changing web technologies and user needs; the latest version as of November 2025 is 6.42 Build 52.[1][5] As of 2025, IDM remains a popular shareware application offering a 30-day free trial, after which a license is required for continued use, reflecting its long-standing position in the download management market.[6] Key features of IDM include support for multiple protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and MMS, along with proxy server compatibility for secure and versatile downloading from servers including Microsoft IIS.[1] The software provides scheduling capabilities to start or stop downloads at specified times, automatic virus scanning integration upon completion, and a built-in site grabber for downloading entire websites or specific content like streaming videos from platforms.[2] Its user-friendly interface supports drag-and-drop functionality and categorization of downloads into folders, making it suitable for both casual users and those handling large volumes of files.[1]History
Development
Tonec Inc. was founded in 1999 by a group of programmers specializing in software development.[7] The company established Internet Download Manager Corp. as a subsidiary focused on creating internet applications, building on expertise in network programming developed since 1990.[8] The IDM project was initiated in 1998 during the development of network libraries and console applications for accelerated file downloading.[8] Internet Download Manager was first publicly released on June 2, 2001, as version 2.8.[9] It has operated under a shareware model since its initial release to support ongoing development and enhancements.[10] A key early milestone came with version 2.0, which introduced multi-threaded downloading to accelerate speeds by segmenting files into multiple parts for simultaneous retrieval.[11] The software continued to evolve, adding video grabbing capabilities in version 5.11 in November 2007.[9] This progression from a basic HTTP downloader to a comprehensive download manager was driven by the rapid growth in internet bandwidth during the late 1990s and early 2000s, enabling more advanced features like browser integration for seamless file handling.[12]Version history
Internet Download Manager (IDM) has seen steady evolution through its 6.x series, with updates emphasizing browser compatibility, video download enhancements, and adaptation to modern operating systems and web standards. Major releases have addressed integration issues with evolving browsers like Chrome and Firefox, improved error handling for streaming content, and extended support for newer hardware such as ARM-based Windows devices. Bug fixes and minor builds have been frequent, often resolving connection timeouts, proxy configurations, and file type detection. Support for legacy systems like Windows XP ended with version 6.41 Build 2 in May 2022.[13] The following table summarizes key versions from the 2010s to 2025, highlighting release dates and principal changes based on official release notes.| Version | Release Date | Major Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 Beta | August 3, 2010 | Initial beta introducing enhanced dynamic segmentation for faster downloads and preliminary video stream detection improvements.[14] |
| 6.05 | February 1, 2011 | Added support for Internet Explorer 9 and fixed issues with multipart downloading on slower connections.[15] |
| 6.06 | June 23, 2011 | Improved integration with Firefox 5 and enhanced FLV video link retrieval from browsers.[16] |
| 6.21 Build 2 | July 23, 2014 | Fixed integration problems with Google Chrome, updated download engine for better handling of large files, and resolved bugs in video grabbing from HTML5 sites.[9] |
| 6.30 Build 10 | May 16, 2018 | Enhanced video downloading for multiple stream types, added support for Firefox 60, and fixed critical bugs in connection establishment.[9] |
| 6.41 Build 2 | May 31, 2022 | Last version compatible with Windows XP and Vista; included fixes for proxy authentication and improved error recovery for interrupted downloads.[13] |
| 6.42 Build 1 | November 22, 2023 | Introduced browser integration for Windows ARM devices (Firefox and Edge); added support for new video formats and resolved compatibility issues with Windows 11 updates.[9] |
| 6.42 Build 52 | October 23, 2025 | Fixed "403 Forbidden" errors on certain sites, improved handling of video streams from social media platforms, and enhanced HTTPS proxy support for VPN connections.[9] |