Files with the .PARTIAL extension contain partially downloaded file, the download of which has been paused, but can still be resumed. The files are created and supported by the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, versions 9 and above, as well as the Microsoft Edge browser. Resuming the download of a partially downloaded file can be done by double-clicking the file and choosing the resume option in the downloaded files window.

The names of PARTIAL files are generated using the original file name and its extension as the basis – a generated code and the PARTIAL extension are added afterwards, creating a new file name. Only after the download has been finished is the extension deleted and the file made ready for opening. If the file is an audio or video file, it is sometimes possible to view part of the file even before the download has been fully completed.