Where Does IDM Store Settings and Queues?
IDM keeps settings and queues in the registry, with official migration meaning a registry export plus folder copies.
Last updated
IDM follows the old Windows shareware playbook: configuration in HKCU Software DownloadManager, bulk data in temp and category folders on disk. Queues, site logins, and scheduler state all hide in registry subkeys.
Official migration docs prescribe the two part dance of registry export plus folder copies to identical paths. Partial downloads resume only when both halves reunite at matching locations. Note the temp path before wiping any drive.
Where Internet Download Manager stores this, by platform
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\DownloadManager
Settings, queues, and credentials live here. Export the whole key for migrations; per link details sit in subkeys beneath it.
%APPDATA%\IDM
Default temp and download roots. Confirm live paths in Options, Save To, since both are user configurable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I migrate IDM to a new PC?
Export HKCU Software DownloadManager to a .reg file, note the temp and category folder paths, and copy those folders. Import the key on the new machine first, then restore folders to identical paths.
Where are in progress downloads?
The temp folder and category folders are configurable and often huge. Check Options, Save To, for the live paths. Backup means these folders plus the registry key, never one without the other.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.