downloaded

Downloaded is the past participle of download, meaning to transfer data from a remote system to a local device, typically over a network. It can describe the action or the resulting file or files saved to local storage. Downloads are common for software installers, documents, media, and updates, and can be initiated by a user or automatically by software.

The transfer is usually accomplished via protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS, FTP, BitTorrent, or specialized download managers. A download may be completed in a single action or segmented into parts, and large files often support resuming if the connection is interrupted. After completion, verification steps such as checksums or digital signatures help ensure the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded data.

Security and legality are important considerations. Downloaded content can carry malware if obtained from untrusted sources, so users are advised to verify sources, use secure channels, and check hashes or signatures. Licensing and copyright apply to downloaded content, with terms that may restrict reuse, redistribution, or commercial use.

Metadata and usage context also matter. Many systems store information about a download, such as the origin URL, timestamp, and file path, and place the data in a designated downloads folder. In computing, “downloaded” describes a state that may be in progress or completed, and the term is widely used across platforms and languages.