How to Enable More Simultaneous Downloads in IE 8

Unlike previous versions of IE (mostly IE 6.0 and 7.0), where IE was configured to only allow up to two simultaneous file downloads, Windows Internet Explorer 8 limits the number of files that you can download at one time to six.
However, if you need to increase this number, you must make a registry modification. The path is not the same as it was in IE 6.0 and IE 7.0, so please take care before making any change to the registry.

Please carefully read the following warning:

Warning!

This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a trained computer specialist.

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To do so, follow the next steps:
1. Start Registry Editor.
2. Locate the following key in the registry:

​HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_MAXCONNECTIONSPERSERVER

3. If it doesn’t exist, on the Edit menu, point to New, click DWORD Value, and then add the following registry values:

Value name: iexplore.exe
Value data: 10
Base: Decimal

Note: By setting the value to 10, you increase the connection limit to 10.
4. Locate the following key in the registry:

​HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_MAXCONNECTIONSPER1_0SERVER

5. If it doesn’t exist, on the Edit menu, point to New, click DWORD Value, and then add the following registry values:

Value name: iexplore.exe
Value data: 10
Base: Decimal

Note: Again, by setting the value to 10, you increase the connection limit to 10.
6. Exit Registry Editor.
Internet Explorer 8 should now be able to download up to 10 simultaneous files.