What is SABnzbd?

SABnzbd is a popular Usenet downloader that works with NZB files. The program runs in the background and you control it through a web interface in your browser.

With SABnzbd you can:

Download files from Usenet automatically
Check and repair downloads
Unpack RAR files automatically
Manage your downloads through a web interface

In this guide we explain how to install SABnzbd and configure it for Hitnews.

Hitnews server settings

Use the settings below when you configure SABnzbd.

Server: news.hitnews.com
Port (with SSL): 563 or 443
Port (without SSL): 119
SSL: Recommended
Connections: 100

Installing SABnzbd

Step 1 – Download SABnzbd

Download SABnzbd from the official website: https://sabnzbd.org/downloads

Step 2 – Start the installation

Open the downloaded installer. Choose your language and click OK.

Step 3 – Accept the license

Read the license agreement and click I Agree.

Step 4 – Choose installation options

Here you can choose, among other things, to:

Start SABnzbd automatically with Windows
Create a desktop shortcut
Open NZB files with SABnzbd

Then click Next.

Step 5 – Choose the installation folder

Keep the default location or choose another folder, then click Next.

Step 6 – Start the installation

Click Install to install SABnzbd.

Step 7 – Finish the installation

Click Finish. SABnzbd now starts and opens automatically in your browser at http://localhost:8080.

Configuring SABnzbd for Hitnews

Step 8 – Start the setup wizard

The first time you use SABnzbd, the setup wizard opens. Choose your language and click Start Wizard.

Step 9 – Add the Hitnews server

Enter the following details:

Server: news.hitnews.com
Port: 563
SSL: On
Username: your Hitnews username
Password: your Hitnews password
Connections: 100

Then click Next.

Step 10 – Finish the setup

The wizard is now complete. SABnzbd restarts and opens the web interface at http://localhost:8080.

Downloading an NZB with SABnzbd

Click Add NZB (the + icon) at the top right. Choose an NZB file and confirm. The download starts automatically.

Importing NZB files automatically (optional)

SABnzbd can pick up NZB files automatically from a watched folder. Go to Config → Folders → Watched Folder and select the folder where you save your NZB files. SABnzbd then downloads every NZB file you place there.

SABnzbd is now ready to use with Hitnews

New to Usenet? Read our guide to getting started with Usenet and our tips and tricks.