Can't Delete a .crdownload File
A <code>.crdownload</code> file is Chrome's partial download. If it won't delete, Chrome is still holding it open — even if the download looks finished. Cancel or clear it inside Chrome, or close Chrome first, and the file will delete normally. Here's the exact fix.
Remove it (fastest first)
- Cancel it in Chrome: press
Ctrl+J(Cmd+Jon Mac) to open Downloads, find the stuck item and click the × to cancel. Chrome releases and usually deletes the .crdownload itself. - Close Chrome, then delete: fully quit Chrome (check the system tray / Activity Monitor), then delete the .crdownload from the Downloads folder.
- Still locked? End the process: Windows — Task Manager → end all Google Chrome processes, then delete. Mac — Force Quit Chrome, or relaunch Finder (⌥⌘Esc).
If it still won't delete
A file 'open in another program' means a Chrome process is alive in the background. On Windows, Shift+Delete after closing Chrome, or reboot and delete on a fresh start. On Mac, Terminal: rm ~/Downloads/name.crdownload (add sudo only if permissions block it).
Why it got stuck
Chrome keeps the .crdownload locked while a download is paused, failed, or interrupted. If the download will never finish (dead link, server doesn't support resume), cancelling in Chrome is the clean way to release and remove it rather than fighting the file lock.
FAQ
Why can't I delete my .crdownload file?
Chrome still has the file open — the download is paused, interrupted, or running in the background. The OS blocks deletion of an open file. Cancel it in Chrome's Downloads (Ctrl+J → ×) or fully close Chrome, then delete.
How do I force delete a stuck .crdownload file?
Close Chrome completely (end its processes in Task Manager / Force Quit), then delete the file. On Windows use Shift+Delete; on Mac use Terminal: rm ~/Downloads/name.crdownload. A reboot also releases the lock.
Will deleting a .crdownload file harm anything?
No. It's only a partial, incomplete download — deleting it just discards the unfinished data. You'll need to download the file again from scratch if you still want it.