Is downloading large files a time-consuming task for your browser? If yes, try using parallel downloading. It lets your browser download files in multiple streams. Therefore, the download duration will reduce, and there will be hardly any chances where the browser needs to start downloading from scratch.
If you are wondering how to enable parallel downloading in multiple browsers, you have come to the right place. This article will explain the step-by-step procedure to enable it.
However, before diving deep into the steps, let us first understand what it is.
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What is Parallel Downloading?
Generally, most browsers use a single thread while downloading files from the internet. This technique works well when the file size is small, but it significantly decreases the download speed when the file size is large. In such a case, parallel downloading can be helpful.
In it, the large file size will be divided into smaller parts, and after that, it gets downloaded through multiple server connections simultaneously. It increases the download speed significantly therefore known as multithreading. It makes efficient use of available internet bandwidth.
For example, you want to download a 300MB file and your browser supports six parallel downloads. In such a case, the 300MB file will be divided into six parts, each approximately 50MB. After that, each part will be downloaded in separate streams. So, it will offer 6X download speed as compared to single-thread downloading.
Now that you know what parallel downloading is let us understand how to enable it individually in various browsers.
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Google Chrome
If you want to enable parallel downloading in Google Chrome, you need to follow the steps below.
Desktop
- First, open Google Chrome, type Chrome://flags, and press enter.
- After that, type parallel downloading and search for it in the Experiments search box.
- Now, from the dropdown menu, select the Enabled option.
- In the final step, click on Relaunch. It will enable it.
Mobile
If you want to enable it on your Android smartphone, follow the below steps.
- First, launch Google Chrome -> Type Chrome://flags -> Search for parallel downloading in the Experiments search box.
- After that, click on Enabled -> Relaunch.
- It’s done!
Microsoft Edge
To activate it in Microsoft Edge, follow the steps below.
Desktop
- Launch the Microsoft Edge
- Type edge://flags -> press Enter
- Now, search for parallel downloading in the Flags Experiments search box -> press Enter.
- Select Enabled from the dropdown menu and click on Relaunch.
Mobile
- Open the Edge browser -> type edge://flags -> press Enter.
- Choose Enabled from the dropdown menu and click the Relaunch button.
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Mozilla Firefox
If you use Mozilla Firefox and want to enable parallel downloading, you must follow the steps below. One thing you need to understand here is that enabling it in Mozilla Firefox is quite complicated. However, following the below steps will make it super easy for you.
Desktop
- First, launch Firefox -> type about:config -> press Enter.
- In the next tab, you will see the Accept the Risk and Continue button. Click on it.
- After that, you need to type the following command in the search bar and click on Enter.
network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server
- Now, tap on the Pen icon and change its default value (6) to a higher number. You can set it as up to 20.
- After that, click on the Check icon and restart the browser. It will save the changes you made recently.
Mobile
If you are using an Android smartphone and want to enable parallel downloading, remember that the stable version doesn’t allow it on Android. For that, you need to use Beta or the Developer version. All the steps to enable parallel downloading are the same as you do on a desktop.
- Launch the Firefox Beta/Firefox Nightly -> type about:config
After that, enter this command – network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server.
- Now, change the value from 6 to your preferred value.
- In the end, click on the enter button and restart the Firefox. It will enable parallel downloading.
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Brave
If you are a Brave browser user, following these steps will enable you to enable parallel downloading.
Desktop
- Open Brave -> type brave://flags -> click Enter.
- Now, search for parallel downloading.
- After that, from the dropdown menu, select Enable option.
- Now, tap on the Relaunch button. It will activate parallel downloading on Brave.
Mobile
You need to follow the same steps to enable it on your Android mobile.
- Launch Brave -> Type brave://flags -> Enter.
- Select Enabled -> Relaunch.
Opera
The Opera browser user needs to follow the steps below.
- Launch the Opera -> Type Opera://flags
- After that, search for parallel downloading.
- Select the Enable option from the dropdown menu and click on Relaunch.
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Pros and Cons of Parallel Downloading
Pros
- It improves downloading speed.
- Reduces the chances of download failure
- It is useful when you have a poor/slow internet connection.
- There is less chance of files getting corrupted.
Cons
- It can heat up your device.
- Consumes more data than single thread downloading.
- Perfect for downloading only smaller files.
- As it uses maximum internet bandwidth while downloading files, other apps may run slowly.
- Websites not allowing parallel downloading from their files will be downloaded at normal speed.
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FAQs
How do I enable parallel downloading?
Open Chrome and type “chrome://flags” in the search bar, then press Enter. Search for “parallel downloading” in the search box. Choose “Enable” from the drop-down menu next to “Parallel downloading.” After enabling, click the “Relaunch” button at the bottom to activate parallel downloading.
What is meant by parallel downloading?
Parallel downloading divides large file downloads into three separate “jobs,” accelerating the download process. Enabling this feature can significantly speed up the downloading of large files.
Is parallel downloading good?
Parallel downloading, also known as multithreading, can be beneficial. It divides large files into smaller parts and downloads them simultaneously through multiple server connections, boosting download speeds considerably.
Does parallel downloading increase speed?
While parallel downloading can enhance download speeds, it’s not a solution for slow internet or low bandwidth. Additionally, it may not be effective for all websites, especially those that restrict concurrent connections to their servers.
How do I use Chrome parallel download?
To enable Chrome parallel downloading, type “chrome://flags” in the address bar and press Enter. In the search bar, type “parallel downloading.” Select “Enabled” from the drop-down menu next to “Parallel downloading.” Finally, click the “Relaunch” button to restart Chrome and activate the feature.
Does Parallel Downloading Work Perfectly on All Websites?
Yes. Most websites work decently with parallel downloading. However, some websites restrict such types of connection to save on internet bandwidth and server load.
Does Parallel Downloading Lead to More Data Consumption?
Yes, parallel downloading can consume more data, but this extra data consumption is negligible.
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Final Thoughts
In today’s digital era, a browser is the primary way to download content from the internet. That’s why having the fastest download speed on your browser is vital. For that, you can try using the parallel downloading feature on your browser.
All you need to do is follow the steps mentioned above to enable parallel downloading in your browser. Hopefully, this article has cleared all your doubts.
However, if you have any queries related to parallel downloading, you can ask us in the comment section below.
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