A '.partial' file extension typically indicates an incomplete or partially downloaded file. These files are created by download managers or web browsers when a download process is interrupted or hasn't fully completed. The content of a '.partial' file is the portion of the original file that has been successfully downloaded up to the point of interruption. Once the download resumes and completes successfully, the '.partial' extension is usually removed, and the file is renamed to its original name and extension. These files are not meant to be opened or used directly, as they are incomplete and may be corrupted. Attempting to open them might result in errors or unexpected behavior. The presence of a '.partial' file usually signifies that a download is in progress or was interrupted and needs to be resumed or restarted. It's generally safe to delete '.partial' files if you are certain that the download will not be resumed, but it's advisable to resume the download if you intend to use the complete file.