How to Safely and Securely Download Movies Using uTorrent

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Everything you need to know about the popular torrenting client

Written by Gonzalo Martinez | Edited by Cory Stillman

Last Updated: June 1, 2023 Fact Checked

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Installing uTorrent

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Downloading Movies Using Torrents

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

This wikiHow article teaches you how to install and use uTorrent to download movies. A torrent file contains data about a file you want to download. A bitTorrent client such as uTorrent uses this information to download the file from another user's computer. When the file is finished downloading, you make it easier for other users to then download the file as well. Be aware that downloading movies in this way is illegal in most countries, and can get you in trouble with the law, or with your internet service provider. Download movies using torrents at your own risk.

Note: Android owners can download the uTorrent app and follow these instructions as well. Unfortunately, Apple has removed all torrenting apps from the App Store, so iPhone and iPad owners are unable to use uTorrent to download movies.

Things You Should Know

Always use a VPN when downloading torrent files using uTorrent.
You can search for specific films on torrent sites, or browse through lists of the most popular files.
uTorrent offers two different clients: uTorrent Web and uTorrent Classic. New users are recommended to install the Web version, which opens in your web browser.
Android users can install the uTorrent mobile app for free and use their phones to download movies.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Installing uTorrent

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1
Understand the risks. Downloading movies you haven't purchased is generally against the law in most countries and can result in large copyright fines or even jail time. BitTorrent websites often contain explicit adult material and invasive ads or malware that can harm your computer. Make sure you know what you are clicking on and what you are downloading before you open your system up to risk. Unless you use a VPN for added privacy, your IP address is public and can be recorded by companies who can take legal action against you if you commit internet piracy.
- While downloading uTorrent from its official site should be safe, you may want to consider downloading an anti-malware software as well. It may try to block you from installing uTorrent at first, but it will also catch any other files that may be harmful or suspect.
2
Enter http://www.utorrent.com/ into your browser's URL bar. This is the website for uTorrent. It is one of the more popular bitTorrent clients.
- Android owners can skip this step and find the uTorrent app directly in the Google Play Store. There is a free and a paid (no ads) version.
  - Even if you are using an Android to download and use uTorrent, you should still consider using a VPN and anti-malware software.
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3
Click Download uTorrent Web or scroll down and click Download uTorrent Classic. There are two versions of uTorrent available. uTorrent Web works in your web browser. uTorrent Classic is a separate app that you download and run on your computer. Both apps are intuitive and take up little space, although the Web version may be easier for new users.
- You may need to temporarily disable your antivirus software in order to install uTorrent.^{[1]
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- Depending on your browser, you may first have to click "Save" or specify a download location before the download will begin.
4
Install uTorrent. This process will vary depending on your computer's operating system. Pay careful attention during the download process. uTorrent contains additional software downloads that you may not want. These are constantly rotating, so be mindful of what could be added to your computer. Use the following steps to download and install uTorrent.
- Windows:
  - Double-click the uTorrent install file.
  - Click Yes when prompted.
  - Click Next twice.
  - Click Agree.
  - Uncheck the checkbox on any additional software install offers.
  - Select shortcut options and click Next.
  - Click Next again.
  - Click Decline on the recommended programs.
  - Click Finish to finalize the installation.
- Mac:
  - Open the uTorrent install file.
  - Drag uTorrent into the "Applications" folder.
Simply double-click the uTorrent icon to do so. uTorrent Classic will open the uTorrent desktop app. uTorrent Web will open uTorrent in a web browser tab. You're now ready to begin downloading movies using uTorrent.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Downloading Movies Using Torrents

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1
Open your preferred web browser. It's recommended that you use a supported web browser like Edge, Chrome, or Firefox, since Internet Explorer may be too vulnerable for most torrent websites.
- With the uTorrent Android app, you can search for torrents directly within the app using the magnifying glass icon. While these results are rather limited, this can be a convenient way to quickly find a torrent you need.
2
Search for a torrent website. Torrent websites are typically hit-or-miss due to legal reasons, so you'll likely need to browse to find a currently operational site rather than relying on any specific torrent website. Use Google to search "Torrents". You will likely find many websites listing the best and most recent torrent sites.
- The Pirate Bay is the most commonly used torrent site. Google the name as its exact URL constantly changes.
- https://www.publicdomaintorrents.info/ allows you to legally download movies that are non-copyright.
3
Type your movie's name into the search bar, then press ↵ Enter. You'll typically find the search bar at the top of the site, though each site's layout will differ slightly. Searching for your term will pull up a list of matching results.
- Using more specific terms (e.g., "Blair Witch 2016" rather than "Blair Witch") will yield more specific results.
- Many sites will also features lists of their most popular films, so feel free to browse through the site in search of whatever torrents might be available.
4
Locate a healthy torrent. When downloading a torrent, there are a few things to look for:
- Seeders: Seeders are users who allow other users to download the video content from their computer. The number in the "SEED" column on the right side of the page should ideally be higher (or roughly equal to) the number in the "LEECH" column.
- File details: Make sure the file name, category, and any other information in the title matches exactly what you're looking for.
- Quality (video only): Look for at least 720p or higher (1080p is ideal). Anything lower will have poor quality.
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Click a torrent to review its feedback. There are a couple of other things you'll look for here:
- Comments: Specifically, look for comments on whether or not the torrent is safe, as well as quality comments.
- Rating: Make sure the torrent has a low number of negative reviews and a high number of positive ones.
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Download the torrent. Do so by clicking your site's Download button, which will usually say Download Torrent, Get this torrent, or something similar (e.g., Download [file name]).
- Many Torrent websites have false ads plastered on the page that look like download links but will take you to another site. Be careful what you are clicking.
- Popular torrenting sites like The Pirate Bay also feature a magnet icon. Click this to open the file directly in your installed uTorrent client, skipping the need to download the file first.
  - Tap this magnet icon on Android devices to automatically open the torrent in the uTorrent mobile app and begin downloading.
7
Double-click the torrent file to open it in uTorrent. You can also drag and drop the torrent file directly into uTorrent while it is running. Dropping the file here will prompt the movie file itself to begin downloading to your computer.
- While visiting a torrenting site without a VPN is safe and legal, it is strongly advised that you use a VPN before downloading any torrents. Your ISP will almost certainly reach out to you with a warning otherwise.
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Select a download location. By default, most videos you download from Torrent clients will be downloaded to your "Downloads" folder. To change the install location, click Change and select a location to download the file to.
- On the Android app, visit the Settings menu and tap the green "CHANGE" button next to "Default Download Folder" to determine your files' download location.
This adds the torrent file to your list of downloads.
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Wait for your file to download. You can see the process of your download in the bar below "Status". The download may take a while depending on how many seeds are available and your connection speed. If you have multiple files downloading, the ones that already started will take priority.
- You can adjust the order of your queue at any time by using the up and down arrows atop the client.
- Once the file finishes downloading, you'll see "Seeding" appear to the right of the torrent's name. This indicates that you're sharing the data for your movie file to other people who are also trying to download the same movie.^{[2]
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  - It is considered good torrenting etiquette to allow the file to remain in uTorrent for at least a few hours after you have finished downloading it.
Scan the downloaded file for viruses. Before you watch the video file, you should scan it to make sure it is safe to open.
Once the file is finished downloading, you can open it in any media player application.

Community Q&A

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Question

How to speed up the download of the torrent?

Community Answer

You need a program, like Vuze, and when you click download, it will automatically open the download in your torrent program.

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Question

Is uTorrent free, or do I have to pay money to install it?

Community Answer

uTorrent itself is completely free, as stated by the licence.

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Question

How do you download PC software on uTorrent?

Community Answer

The same way. Just search the name of the software you're looking for. There's no guarantee that it will be available, but if it is, you can click the link and download it.

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Tips

Try to download movies from users who have been verified, or who have high feedback and ratings on that particular torrent site. Verified users are often known to post legitimate, high-quality torrent files.

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If torrenting with the uTorrent Android app, consider adjusting your Settings so that you can only download files over Wi-Fi. Torrenting can use up a lot of data, and is best done over Wi-Fi networks.

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Warnings

Torrent sites and torrent files are common sources of virus and malware infections. Before using µTorrent or visiting any torrent search engines, make sure your computer is running updated antivirus or anti-malware software to lower your risk for infection, especially if using a Windows-based computer.

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Download torrent files at your own risk.

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