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Free Download Manager Chrome extension

The Free Download Manager extension is an official companion add-on that hands your Chrome downloads off to the Free Download Manager (FDM) desktop app for acceleration and organization. It's best for people who already use or plan to install FDM on Windows, Mac, or Linux. The catch: the extension does nothing on its own without the FDM desktop app installed.

  • PriceFree
  • CategoryProductivity
  • Works inChrome, Edge, Brave (desktop)
  • ✓No account needed

Last checked against the Chrome Web Store listing · Independent, not affiliated with Google

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Pros

  • official extension built by the Free Download Manager developers
  • integrates browser downloads directly with the FDM desktop app
  • works across Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • free to use

Cons

  • requires the separate FDM desktop app to be installed to work at all
  • adds no download features by itself without FDM running
  • less useful for anyone who doesn't want a desktop download manager

Best for

  • people who already use the Free Download Manager desktop app
  • users who want browser downloads automatically routed to a dedicated download manager
  • anyone downloading large files who wants acceleration and organization outside the browser

Skip it if

  • anyone who doesn't want to install a separate desktop application
  • users looking for a standalone in-browser download manager

Key features

  • sends Chrome downloads to the Free Download Manager desktop app
  • works with FDM's download acceleration
  • cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • official integration maintained by the FDM team

What the Free Download Manager extension does

This extension's sole purpose is integration between Chrome and the Free Download Manager (FDM) desktop application. It doesn't manage or accelerate downloads by itself; instead it routes downloads you start in Chrome to FDM, which handles the actual download acceleration and organization on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Does it work without FDM installed?

No. The extension requires the FDM desktop app to be installed and running to work properly. If you don't already use FDM, you'll need to install the desktop application first for the extension to do anything useful.

Is Free Download Manager safe?

It's an official extension published by the same developers who make the FDM desktop app, and it's used specifically to connect the browser to that app. The developer maintains a public forum for bug reports, feature requests, and support.

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Free Download Manager: FAQs

Is the Free Download Manager extension free?

Yes, both the extension and the FDM desktop app are free to use.

Do I need to install anything else for it to work?

Yes, the extension requires the Free Download Manager desktop app to be installed on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

How do I use the Free Download Manager extension?

Install FDM on your computer first, then install this extension, and it will route your Chrome downloads to the FDM app automatically.

Is Free Download Manager safe to use?

It's an official extension from the FDM developers, built solely to integrate the browser with their desktop app.

Does Free Download Manager work on Mac and Linux?

Yes, both the extension and the FDM desktop app support Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What happens if I don't have FDM installed?

The extension won't function properly without the FDM desktop app installed, since its only job is to connect Chrome to that app.

What are alternatives to Free Download Manager?

Other browser-integrated download managers exist; compare whether they require a separate desktop app like FDM does.

Does it accelerate downloads by itself?

No, download acceleration happens in the FDM desktop app; the extension only hands off downloads to it.

Where can I report bugs or request features?

The developer runs a public forum at freedownloadmanager.org/board for bug reports, feature suggestions, and support.

Can I use it without the FDM desktop app running?

It's designed to work alongside FDM, so downloads won't be managed properly if FDM isn't installed and available.