Peer to peer (P2P) downloads such as music files, audio files, and other applications are sourced from free P2P networks such as edonkey/overnet, Shareaza, WinMX, Morpheus, 'Ares', and 'BearShare'. These networks have a large user base and contain thousands of listed audio/video files that can be downloaded free of cost.

Many P2P downloads are often illegal and a number of civil copyright lawsuits have been filed in courts targeting computer users who download copyrighted material from P2P networks. Detective firms hired by Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) to monitor the internet for file transfers has helped the association in filing 3400 lawsuits, demanding settlements of over one thousand dollars from each individual sued.

P2P downloads can often frustrate a new user as the number of people simultaneously trying to download a particular file can run into thousands. This situation often slows down the server and users have to wait or stand in a virtual queue for downloading the required file, which can sometimes take more than an hour. Another problem with P2P downloads is that the file format required by the user may not be available. This problem can be eliminated if users download all formats of the needed file and select the one that runs on the users computer.

P2P downloads from lesser-known P2P networks can also lead to virus attacks and installation of spyware software without the knowledge of the user. This can compromise the data stored on the users computer and may lead to financial losses if credit card numbers and passwords are stolen from the computer.

Users can avoid problems related to P2P downloads if they use only well known P2P networks and P2P applications for downloading free P2P files. They are further advised to remain in public sharing mode, stay online as long as possible, stay connected to the P2P network, download multiple versions of the file on multiple networks, and occasionally run searches to find more versions of the required file.