Hey there, fellow download enthusiasts! If you’re using Internet Download Manager (IDM), you already know it’s a powerhouse for grabbing files from the web. It supercharges your downloads, lets you pause and resume with ease, and even helps you snag videos from your favorite sites. But to unleash its full potential, you need to connect it to your web browser.
The key to this magic is the IDM Integration Module, the official browser extension. It’s what allows IDM to automatically “catch” downloads from Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Brave. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to get the IDM extension set up in Chrome, even if you missed the initial installation prompt or accidentally removed it.
A Quick Word of Warning
Before we dive in, a crucial point: the Chrome Web Store is full of fake IDM extensions. Do not install them! These knock-offs can contain malware or viruses. Stick to the official methods outlined below to keep your computer safe. We’ll show you exactly how to get the one and only genuine extension.
Two Simple Methods to Install the IDM Extension
There are two primary ways to get the official IDM Integration Module into Chrome. We’ll cover both, starting with the most reliable method.
Method 1: The Manual Drag-and-Drop (Using the CRX File)
This method involves using the extension file that came with your IDM installation. It’s the most direct way to ensure you have the correct version that matches your IDM software.
Step 1: Open Your Chrome Extensions Page
First, open Google Chrome. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, go to More tools, and then select Extensions. Alternatively, you can just type chrome://extensions/ into your address bar and hit Enter.
Step 2: Enable Developer Mode
On the Extensions page, look for the “Developer mode” toggle in the top-right corner and switch it on. This allows you to install extensions from sources other than the Chrome Web Store, which is exactly what we need to do.
Step 3: Locate the IDM Extension File
Now, you need to find the extension file on your computer. It’s named IDMGCExt.crx and is located in your IDM installation folder. By default, the path is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Download Manager

Step 4: Drag, Drop, and Install
With both your File Explorer window and the Chrome Extensions page open, simply click and drag the IDMGCExt.crx file from the folder and drop it anywhere onto the Chrome Extensions page.

Step 5: Confirm the Installation
Chrome will show a pop-up asking for permission to add the extension. Click the “Add extension” button to confirm.

A new tab will open confirming the successful installation. You can simply close this tab.

Step 6: Configure the Final Settings
On the Extensions page, find the newly added IDM Integration Module and click the “Details” button. To ensure it works everywhere, enable these two important options:
- Allow in incognito: This lets IDM capture downloads when you’re using a private browsing window.
- Allow access to file URLs: This is useful for downloading local HTML or other files.

And you’re done! You can now test it by trying to download any file. The IDM download panel should appear automatically.
Pro-Tip: Can’t find the folder?
If you installed IDM in a different location and can’t find it, there’s an easy trick. Right-click on the IDM shortcut on your desktop or in your Start Menu and select “Open file location”. This will take you straight to the right folder!
Method 2: The Official Chrome Web Store Link
This method is even quicker, but it relies on a direct link. The IDM extension is intentionally hidden from public search on the Chrome Web Store to prevent users from accidentally installing fakes. Here’s how to get to the real one.
- Visit the official link: Click here to go directly to the genuine IDM Integration Module page: IDM Integration Module on Chrome Web Store
- Add to Chrome: Click the “Add to Chrome” button. A pop-up will appear; click “Add extension” to confirm.
- Configure Settings: Once installed, it’s a good idea to head back to your
chrome://extensions/page, click “Details” on the IDM extension, and ensure that “Allow in incognito” is enabled if you use private browsing.
That’s it! Whichever method you choose, your IDM is now fully integrated with Chrome and ready to accelerate your downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did my IDM extension disappear or stop working?
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Browser Update: Sometimes a major Chrome update can temporarily disable extensions.
- IDM Update: If you update IDM, but not the extension (or vice versa), they can become incompatible. Always keep both the IDM application and the browser extension updated.
- Accidental Removal: It’s easy to accidentally click ‘Remove from Chrome’.
In all cases, simply reinstalling the extension using one of the methods above will fix the problem.
How do I find the IDM extension on the Chrome Web Store?
You can’t find it by searching. To protect users from many fake extensions, the developer has hidden the official IDM Integration Module from search results. You must use the direct link to access it:
- Official Link: chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/idm-integration-module/ngpampappnmepgilojfohadhhmbhlaek
What should I do if I get a “This extension may have been corrupted” error?
This is a common Chrome security message that can sometimes appear with manually installed extensions. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have a virus if you used the official file. The fix is simple:
- Go to your Chrome Extensions page (
chrome://extensions/). - Find the corrupted IDM extension and click “Remove”.
- Reinstall the extension fresh using Method 1 (the CRX file) from this guide. This almost always resolves the issue.
Why isn’t IDM capturing downloads from YouTube or other sites?
If IDM isn’t showing the “Download this video” button, try these steps:
- Update IDM: Video sites change their code constantly. Make sure you have the latest version of IDM, as updates often include fixes for video grabbing. Go to IDM Help > Check for updates.
- Check IDM Options: Open IDM, go to Options > General, and ensure your Chrome browser is checked under “Capture downloads from the following browsers”.
- Re-enable the Extension: Try disabling and then re-enabling the IDM Integration Module in your Chrome Extensions page.
If you have any other questions or run into trouble, feel free to drop a comment below. We’re here to help!
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