qBittorrent

qBittorrent is the most recommended open-source torrent client. It has no ads, no bundled software, low resource usage, and a full-featured interface on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Download

• Windows / macOS / Linux: qbittorrent.org/download
• Linux (package manager): sudo apt install qbittorrent / sudo pacman -S qbittorrent

Always download from the official site. Avoid third-party mirrors.

Initial Setup

After installing and launching qBittorrent:

1. Set Your Download Directory

Tools → Options → Downloads → Default Save Path

Choose a dedicated folder like ~/Downloads/Torrents rather than your desktop.

2. Enable DHT and PEX

Tools → Options → BitTorrent

• ✓ Enable DHT (decentralized tracking)
• ✓ Enable Peer Exchange (PEX)
• ✓ Enable Local Peer Discovery

These help you find peers even when a tracker is offline.

3. Connection Limits

Tools → Options → Connection

• Max active torrents: 5 (increase if you have fast internet)
• Max active downloads: 3
• Max active uploads: 5

Adjust based on your upload bandwidth. Don't cap upload to 0 — it makes you a bad citizen.

4. Speed Limits (Optional)

Tools → Options → Speed

Set an upload limit that leaves headroom for normal internet use (e.g., 80% of your upload speed). Leave download unlimited unless you need to preserve bandwidth.

Web UI (Remote Access)

qBittorrent has a built-in web interface for managing torrents from a browser or the qBittorrent Remote mobile app.

Tools → Options → Web UI

1. Enable Web UI
2. Set a port (default: 8080)
3. Change the default username/password (admin/adminadmin)
4. Access at http://localhost:8080 (or your machine's IP on your network)

WARNING

Do not expose the Web UI to the public internet without authentication and HTTPS. Use a VPN or SSH tunnel for remote access.

Binding to a VPN Interface

If you use a VPN, bind qBittorrent to the VPN network interface so it stops working if the VPN disconnects (software kill switch):

Tools → Options → Advanced → Network Interface

Select your VPN interface (e.g., tun0, wg0, or the named VPN adapter on Windows).

See the VPN Guide for full instructions.

Key Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Add torrent from URL	Ctrl+I
Add torrent file	Ctrl+O
Pause selected	P
Resume selected	R
Delete (keep files)	Delete
Delete (remove files)	Shift+Delete