Set up IDM browser integration
The extension is what turns IDM from a separate program into your browser's downloader.
IDM's whole point is taking over the browser's download. If clicking a link opens the browser's own downloader, the integration module is missing or disabled.
Chrome and Edge
Open IDM → Options → General, tick your browser, and accept the prompt. IDM installs the official Integration Module extension. Then check the browser's extensions page: the module must be enabled and allowed to read site data on all sites, otherwise the video panel will not appear.
If your browser policy blocks side-loaded extensions, pin the extension manually from IDM's program folder instead of installing random "IDM extension" clones from the store, which are not the same software.
Firefox
Firefox requires a signed add-on and asks for confirmation the first time. Click Add when prompted and keep the add-on enabled. After any Firefox update, check again — Firefox occasionally disables add-ons when major versions change.
What integration gives you
- Video download panel: a small "Download this video" button over players on most streaming sites.
- Automatic capture: links clicked in the browser open IDM instead of the built-in downloader.
- Download all content: right click a page to grab every image, document or archive link in one batch.
Verification
Restart the browser once after enabling, open any page with a direct file link and click it. If the browser still catches it, check Options → General → Use advanced browser integration. That checkbox must be on for the video panel in particular.