Are you finding yourself stuck, trying to download something important with Internet Download Manager (IDM), only to be met with that frustrating message: “This version of IDM does not support this type of downloading”? Ugh, it’s definitely a buzzkill when you just want to grab your files!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and here’s the great news: resolving this common IDM error is much simpler than you might think! You’ll be back to smooth, fast downloads in no time.
This issue typically pops up when your IDM software is a bit outdated or if its browser integration isn’t quite right for the type of file you’re trying to download. But fear not, in this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to troubleshoot and fix this “IDM does not support” error, ensuring you can download anything you need, hassle-free. Get ready to update your IDM, fine-tune your browser extension, and learn a clever workaround, all designed to get you downloading seamlessly again!
How to Fix “This version of IDM does not support this type of downloading”
-
Uninstall Your Old IDM Version
The first and most crucial step to resolve this “IDM does not support this type of downloading” error is to completely uninstall any outdated version of IDM from your Windows PC. This ensures you start fresh, eliminating any conflicting settings or corrupted files that might be causing the problem.
To do this, simply head to your Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + R, type `control` and hit Enter, or search for “Control Panel” in your Start Menu.
- Once in the Control Panel, look for “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”
- Find “Internet Download Manager” in the list of installed applications.
- Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.” Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely.
-
Download and Install the Latest IDM Version
Once the old version is gone, it’s time to upgrade! Head over to the official IDM website to get the newest, most compatible version. This updated version will have support for the latest file types and improved browser integration, helping you bypass the “IDM does not support this type of downloading” error.
Visit internetdownloadmanager.com and download the installer. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to get IDM installed on your PC. Make sure to restart your computer if prompted after installation.
-
Manually Add the IDM Browser Extension
This step is incredibly important for IDM to work seamlessly with your web browser and catch those downloads. Sometimes, the automatic integration during installation doesn’t quite stick, leading to errors like “IDM does not support this type of downloading.”
After installing the latest IDM, you’ll need to ensure its browser extension (often called the “IDM Integration Module” or “IDMCC”) is active and correctly installed in your specific browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, etc.).
Usually, IDM will try to install its extension automatically. If it doesn’t appear or isn’t working:
- Open IDM from your Start Menu.
- Go to “Options” from the top menu.
- Navigate to the “General” tab.
- You’ll see a list of browsers. Make sure your browser is checked.
- IDM usually provides a direct link or prompt to install its integration module for your browser from this section. Look for an option like “Add to Chrome,” “Install Extension,” or similar, depending on your browser. This will typically guide you to the correct browser store page for the official IDM extension.
- Enable the extension once it’s added to your browser. You might need to allow it to run in “incognito mode” or “private browsing” if you use those.
By properly integrating the IDM extension, you ensure that IDM can “see” and take over downloads from your browser, preventing the “IDM does not support” message.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps for Stubborn Downloads
If, after updating IDM and ensuring your browser extension is perfectly synced, you still encounter the “This version of IDM does not support this type of downloading” error for a specific file, don’t throw in the towel just yet! There’s a clever manual workaround you can try:
-
Get the Download Link Manually
When you’re on a webpage and see the download button for your desired file, instead of clicking it directly, let’s “inspect” it to grab the direct link.
- Hover your mouse cursor over the download button or link.
- Right-click on it.
- From the context menu that appears, select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” (the exact wording might vary slightly depending on your browser, e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge). This will open your browser’s developer tools panel.
-
Copy and Paste the Link into IDM
Within the developer tools, you’ll see a highlighted section of code corresponding to the button or link you just right-clicked. Look for the `href` attribute within the `` (anchor) tag. This `href` attribute contains the actual download URL.
- Carefully locate and copy this full download link (URL).
- Now, open your Internet Download Manager application.
- Click on the “Add URL” button in IDM (it usually has a plus icon).
- Paste the URL you just copied into the “Address” field and click “OK.”
This manual method effectively bypasses any browser-side compatibility issues or integration hiccups, allowing IDM to directly download the file.
Conclusion: Smooth Downloads Ahead!
By following these straightforward steps, you should have successfully resolved the “This version of IDM does not support this type of downloading” error. You’ve now updated your Internet Download Manager, ensured its browser integration is solid, and even learned a handy trick for stubborn downloads.
Don’t let technical glitches get in the way of your downloading experience. With a little maintenance and these simple solutions, you can keep making the most out of Internet Download Manager. Happy downloading!