System & temporary files · .torrent
What Is a TORRENT File?
A .torrent file is a small file that tells a BitTorrent app how to download content.
- Extension
- .torrent
- Full name
- BitTorrent metadata file
- Type
- System file
- MIME type
- application/x-bittorrent
Free TORRENT Tools
These run in your browser. Your TORRENT files are never uploaded.
About TORRENT Files
A .torrent file doesn't contain the content itself. It lists the file names, sizes and checksums, plus trackers to connect to, so a BitTorrent client can download the real files from other users. Many Linux distributions and open datasets are shared this way. Downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal in many countries.
How to Open a TORRENT File
- Windows
- Open it in a BitTorrent client such as qBittorrent or Transmission.
TORRENT File Questions
Is a torrent file a virus?
The .torrent file itself is harmless metadata, but the content it downloads can contain malware.
What's the difference between a torrent file and a magnet link?
A magnet link contains only an identifier, and the client fetches the metadata from other users. A torrent file includes the metadata.