How to Know If a File Is Safe to Download: 11 Ways

Follow these steps to stay safe when downloading files

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: July 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Scared that you might download the virus that's going to destroy your computer? Wondering whether the file you're downloading is safe or not? This wikiHow article teaches you how to know when it's safe to download something.

Know If It Is Safe to Download Something

Make sure you are downloading from a trusted official website. Check the URL to make sure it's correct and make sure the website has a secure ("HTTPS") connection.
Make sure you have good antivirus software installed. Pay attention to any warnings you get from your antivirus software or web browser when downloading or browsing.
Be careful when downloading executable (.exe) files. Make sure they are from an official source and digitally signed. Scan files for viruses before opening them.

1

Install antivirus/antimalware software.

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Make sure you have robust antivirus/antimalware software installed. According to computer and hardware expert Luigi Oppido installing a good antivirus/antispyware application, such as Norton, AVG, Malwarebytes, and Avast!, can check files before they get to your file system. Make sure you use a program that can scan files as soon as they are done downloading. Antivirus software is one of the best things you can do to protect your computer.
- Most modern operating systems have their own antivirus software already installed. You need to make sure you have it turned on and that you pay attention to any warnings it gives you.

2

Download from trusted sources only.

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If you are downloading a file from the official website of a well-established company, like Microsoft, the file is less likely to contain dangerous malware. If you are downloading a file from a lesser-known company or untrustworthy website, the chances of downloading a virus or malware is much greater. Avoid downloading files from untrustworthy websites.

3

Download apps from the official stores.

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Most operating systems have their own digital distribution store you can use to download programs. Windows has the Microsoft Store and macOS has the App Store. Software goes through a thorough vetting process before it can go up on these platforms. Downloading software from these platforms is always safer than downloading software from the open internet.

4

Check the website.

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Some shady websites will try to spoof official websites to convince unsuspecting users to download malicious software. Check the URL of the website you are downloading from to make sure it is the correct website. Look for slight variations in the spelling or domain name (i.e. "microsoft.co" instead of "microsoft.com").
If a website looks like it was poorly designed, that can be a red flag. If a website is has a lot of pop-up ads and false download links, and links to spammy websites, that could be another red flag.

5

Make sure there is a secure connection.

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Check if the website is using SSL/TLS certificates. Websites that have SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) certificates have a secure connection and communicate with the servers over an encrypted connection. A website that is using SSL/TLS certificates will have "HTTPS" in the URL (as opposed to just "HTTP"). There should also be a padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar.^{[1]
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- If you are using Google Chrome, click the icon that resembles two slider bars next to the URL in the address bar. If the website is using SSL/TLS certificates, it should say "Connection is secure" in the drop-down menu.

6

Avoid downloading shady files.

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Are you downloading pornography or a warez (cracked) program from a torrent file? Or are you downloading Photoshop from the Adobe website? There's a much greater chance that a file downloaded from a porn website or torrent file is going to contain dangerous malware or viruses. What's the file? If it is illegal or suspicious-looking, it's probably dangerous.

7

Take pop-up warnings seriously.

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Most modern web browsers have some sort of safe browsing and antivirus feature built-in. Your computer may also have antivirus software running in the background. If you see a pop-up warning you that a website is not safe or if a file maybe risky, take it seriously and do not proceed unless you know the website and the file is safe.

8

Check user reviews.

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Check for comments and feedback. Are there other people that have downloaded the file? If there's a forum attached to the site that has people saying they've downloaded said file and have not experienced any problems, chances are, you aren't going to be downloading a Trojan or worm.
- You can also try checking other forums, such as Reddit or Quora for user feedback.

9

Check the file size.

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If the file size is too small, there's a good chance it doesn't contain the software you want and has a virus or malware instead. If the file is too big, it may or may not contain the software you want, but it may contain a few other surprises you don't want.

10

Know what files to watch out for.

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Watch out for executable files. These can include '.exe', '.bat', ,msi', '.pif', ',msi'; and '.scr' files. Torrent files can also contain malicious software. Hackers can even spread malicious code through PDFs, Office documents (i.e. Word and Excel files), and image files. If you download one of these, you are potentially opening yourself up to anything on that file once you activate it.
- One common trick used by hackers is to have a 'double extension' such as '.gif.exe'. Said file is actually a '.exe' file, not a '.gif' file.
- According to computer and hardware expert Luigi Oppido, opening a '.exe' file is basically giving that file super-user access to your computer and allowing it to control your system and your preferences. Opening a '.exe' file when you don't know what's in it is very dangerous.^{[2]
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- Executable files are fine if they come from a trusted source and you know what they are. Most installation files on Windows are executable files.

11

Make sure the files are signed.

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Check if the file is digitally signed. If you are downloading an executable (.exe) program on Windows, running it will usually open a license warning. If the executable is unlicensed, it is most likely a threat to your computer and privacy.
- Note that not all unlicensed executables are bad, nor are all licensed executables good. If unsure, refer to the Tips section.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is it okay to download a mod for Minecraft that has a warning saying it could harm my computer, but it does not have .exe .bat .pif or .scr?

Community Answer

If you right click on the file once downloaded, there should be an option to scan the file using your anti-virus software. If the file is genuine and safe, the scan will come up clear. If it isn't, remove the file and scan your computer with your anti-virus software to have it remove any malware.

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Is Sony Vegas safe to download?

Community Answer

Yes, its created by SONY. But if you download a cracked version of it, that could be infected with malware.

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Is DeviantArt considered to be a safe website?

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DeviantArt itself is safe, but some images may be offensive and download links may contain viruses.

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Tips

Type the name of the file into a search engine such as Google or Yahoo! and see what problems or lack thereof other people have had!

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Try to get yourself a decent anti-virus program on your computer. Norton, AVG and Avast! are all trusted sites with very effective programs that help clean up and/or protect your computer from the nasties that float around the internet. Even if you just get the free version, it's worth having a defense against a multitude of threats.

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If you don't know if you can trust the website, try doing a 'WHOIS' look-up. Type the name of the website on a WHOIS site and it will find you lots of details that help you decide whether you can trust your download.

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Warnings

If you downloaded something suspicious and ran it, download and install an appropriate program to find any threats on your computer. Avast, AVG, or Malwarebytes are good and free programs.

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If you're totally worried and don't know whether you should trust the file or not, don't. There's no point downloading something if you don't trust it.

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Some software that looks and is legitimate can actually be hacked. When in doubt, always scan the file for viruses!

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