How to Open Torrent Files

To open torrent files you need to download software called a torrent client. A torrent client uses the information contained in a torrent file to upload and download free music, movies and software. Learn how to open torrent files uses BitTorrent client software.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A torrent client software application such as BitTorrent, Utorrent, or Vuze (formerly called Azureus)
• A website where you can download a .torrent file

1. 
    
   downloading BitTorrent client

   Download a torrent client application such as uTorrent or BitTorrent. See the link in the reference section if you aren't sure where to find a torrent client.

2. 
    
   Run BitTorrent installer

   Run the BitTorrent installer by opening the file you just downloaded. The installer will prompt you to select next, agree to the terms of use, and specify the location where BitTorrent will be installed.

3. 
    
   Find your torrent file to download

   Once the application is installed, find the .torrent file you wish to download at one of the popular torrent sites. In this example we use the website mininova.org.

4. 
    
   Use your torrent client application to open a torrent file.

   Use the search engine to find a particular .torrent file, or browse through the categories. When you find what you want, click on the file name. A window will pop up asking you what application to use to open this file. If your BitTorrent installation was successful, BitTorrent should be selected in the drop down window as the default application to open .torrent files. Select ok to open the file and launch BitTorrent.

5. 
    
   Select the files you want to download.

   Your torrent client will open and ask you to verify that you want all of the files listed. Select the files and hit ok to begin downloading the torrent.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are behind a router, you may need to setup port forwarding for torrents to download properly.
• Check your torrent client's preferences menu to optimize your downloads.
• Downloading copyrighted material is illegal. Your Internet Service Provider may choose to cancel your service if you are found sharing music, movies or software that is copyrighted.
• Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date as some torrent files contain malware.

Resources

• Download BitTorrent client
• Download uTorrent client
• Download Vuze client
• Site to find torrent files
• Port Forward
• Encrypt Torrent Downloads
• Optimize your torrents