Use WHMCS downloads to distribute approved files with clear access rules and version information. A hidden listing is not the same as a protected product download.
01 Add an authorised file
- Open the Downloads administration area and create the intended category.
- Select Add Download and enter a clear title, description and version or release date.
- Upload the file or reference the supported storage location. Confirm that the required extension is allowed by the configured support-file rules.
- Choose Clients Only if authentication is required, or Product Download when access should depend on an eligible purchase.
- Review the product association and any hidden-listing option separately.
- Save and test with an eligible customer, an ineligible customer and a logged-out visitor.
02 Prepare software packages for customers
Use a package that contains only the files required for distribution. Exclude local configuration, credentials, test data and customer-specific licences. Provide installation requirements, upgrade instructions and a release note explaining material changes.
Keep a stable product-download record where appropriate, while making the downloadable package version unambiguous. Retain prior releases according to the support policy so a customer can recover from an incompatible update without guessing which file they previously used.
Common questions
Will Hidden stop someone using a direct download link?
No. Hidden removes the item from the list. Use the appropriate authentication and product-entitlement controls for access restrictions.
Does linking to an external file protect that file?
Not necessarily. The remote storage endpoint needs its own access design. Test the actual file URL and avoid exposing paid packages through public storage.
Why does a large upload fail?
Check application and server upload limits, storage permissions and the documented alternative upload method. Do not relax unrelated file-type controls simply to transfer a large archive.
After a storage migration, test existing download links and a representative product entitlement before removing the old storage copy.