How to Check What is Downloading on Your PC With 5 Methods

Some of the easiest methods available

3 min. read

Updated onAugust 12, 2024

updated onAugust 12, 2024

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Key notes

You are often left wondering how to check what is downloading on your PC, especially in the background.

Windows OS is incredibly complicated software, and most work happens quietly in the background. Windows also require the user to stay connected to the internet to downloadthe latest Windows updatesand security patches.

You may notice that your computer has utilized all the bandwidth to download something without asking the user.

While this may not be an issue for everyone, for those with limited internet bandwidth, it might cause difficulties, slowing down their bandwidth.

You can usebandwidth limiter softwareto monitor its status and prioritize any apps you need to use immediately.

If you are also bothered by these mysterious backgroundprocesseshogging up your internet bandwidth, here is how you can tell ifWindows 10 is downloadingsomething in the background and stop it.

How can I check if something is downloading in the background on Windows 10?

1. Use Task manager

Ending theprocessfrom the Task Manager is a temporary fix. Open the program that is using the bandwidth, and stop any downloads.

2. Use Resource Monitor

3. Using the Settings app

4. Checking Windows updates

5. Check browser download

While this will vary depending on your browser, it is often an excellent place to look.

With any of the steps mentioned above, you should be able to tell what background apps are running downloads.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the only browser issue you can encounter and many reported thatdownloaded files are not showing on Desktop, but we covered that issue in another guide.

Tell us in the comments below which methods are the most convenient for someone needing to know how to check what is downloading on a PC.

How to Check What is Downloading on Your PC With 5 Methods#

How can I check if something is downloading in the background on Windows 10?#

1. Use Task manager#

2. Use Resource Monitor#

3. Using the Settings app#

4. Checking Windows updates#

5. Check browser download#