MAGNET File Extension

What is MAGNET file?

MAGNET is a file extension commonly associated with Magnet Link Format files. MAGNET files are supported by software applications available for devices running Mac OS, Windows. Files with MAGNET extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. The most popular program for handling MAGNET files is uTorrent, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. uTorrent software was developed by BitTorrent, Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about MAGNET files or the uTorrent software program.

Programs which support MAGNET file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with MAGNET files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. MAGNET files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 08/24/2020

How to open file with MAGNET extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MAGNET files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with MAGNET extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with MAGNET files.

Step 1. Get the uTorrent

Problems with opening and working with MAGNET files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with MAGNET files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select uTorrent or one of the recommended programs (for example, BitTorrent, Vuze (Azureus - Java BitTorrent Client)) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading uTorrent installed is by going to developer’s website (BitTorrent, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of uTorrent and update if needed

If you already have uTorrent installed on your systems and MAGNET files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that uTorrent cannot handle files with MAGNET may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using uTorrent.

Step 3. Associate Magnet Link Format files with uTorrent

If you have the latest version of uTorrent installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage MAGNET on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the MAGNET file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where uTorrent is installed, check the Always use this app to open MAGNET files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the MAGNET file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MAGNET extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the MAGNET file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the MAGNET file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The MAGNET may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the MAGNET file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. MAGNET file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the MAGNET file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with MAGNET extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Magnet Link Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle uTorrent

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with MAGNET extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Magnet Link Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with MAGNET files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the MAGNET file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on MAGNET file.