BitLord 2.4.6 Build 390 for Windows

BitLord 2.4.6 Build 390 is a free BitTorrent client for Windows that combines downloading with a built-in media player. You download BitLord from the official site when you want a torrent program that can start playing a video before the whole file has arrived.

What is BitLord?

BitLord is a torrent client written in C++ with a focus on ease of use. Like other BitTorrent programs, it downloads files in small pieces from many users at once and shares the pieces it already has. What sets it apart is streaming: the client prioritises the beginning of a video file so that its player can open it while the rest is still downloading, and it can fetch subtitles for films automatically. There is a search box that queries torrent sites from inside the program, playlists for audio and video, and the usual controls for pausing, prioritising files inside a torrent and limiting bandwidth. The interface is simpler than in expert clients, which suits users who want to watch rather than tune settings. The developer publishes the history of builds on its previous releases page; the 2.4.6 line has been updated with new builds for several years.

How do I install it?

1. Download BitLord from the official download page.
2. Run the installer and choose custom options if offered; decline extra software you did not ask for.
3. Allow BitLord in Windows Firewall on private networks so it can connect to peers.
4. Open a torrent file or magnet link, or use the built-in search, and pick a download folder.
5. Press play on a video file to stream it while it downloads.

What are the requirements?

The BitLord support page lists Windows 11 and Windows 10, and the developer also offers versions for macOS and Android. The Windows package is large for a torrent client, about 175.65 MB according to catalogue data, because it includes the media player and codecs.

Is it safe and legal?

The client is legal, but downloading or sharing copyrighted films, series and games without permission is illegal in many countries, and a torrent client always uploads while it downloads. Stick to legal content such as open-source software and public domain works. The developer states that BitLord is completely free and that anyone who paid for it should ask their payment processor for a refund, so pages selling it are fake. Scan downloaded files with an antivirus before opening them.

Does it cost anything?

No. BitLord is freeware and shows advertising in the interface to fund development.

Pros and cons

• Pro: stream videos while they download.
• Pro: built-in search and automatic subtitles.
• Pro: simple interface for beginners.
• Con: ads inside the program.
• Con: large installer for a torrent client.
• Con: fewer advanced settings than expert clients.

What are the alternatives?

Other torrent clients on our site include qBittorrent, which is open source and free of ads, Deluge, BitComet and BitTorrent. Torrent Downloader from DVDVideoSoft is an even simpler option.