Tips to open MAGNET file

Can't open the MAGNET file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MAGNET files as well as a list of programs that support MAGNET files.

MAGNET file extension

File Name Magnet Link Format
File Category Misc Files

The MAGNET file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MAGNET files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MAGNET file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MAGNET file?

The file with the extension MAGNET is the Misc Files file type. In addition to this file, the Misc Files category includes 6033 related files. Magnet Link Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. It is recommended to use uTorrent to handle this file. This is a program created by BitTorrent, Inc.. Alternatively, you can use 3 other programs. BitTorrent, Vuze (Azureus - Java BitTorrent Client) will apply when it is not possible to use uTorrent.

How to open MAGNET file?

An often recurring problem with Magnet Link Format is that MAGNET is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that MAGNET files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MAGNET file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install uTorrent

The first step is to check if the computer has the uTorrent program installed. To do this, enter the name uTorrent into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file MAGNET with uTorrent. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open MAGNET files.

Step 2. Create association of uTorrent with MAGNET files

If, despite the installed application, the MAGNET file does not start in the uTorrent application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the MAGNET file with the uTorrent application.

Step 3. Update uTorrent to the latest version

If, however, after binding uTorrent with Magnet Link Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the BitTorrent, Inc. website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MAGNET file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The MAGNET file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the MAGNET file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the MAGNET file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected MAGNET file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MAGNET file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MAGNET file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MAGNET files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the MAGNET file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.