Described embodiments provide systems and methods for selecting between modes for delivering or providing access to a file. A server can be configured to deliver the file via a plurality of modes of delivery including. A first mode of delivery can include downloading the file and a second mode of delivery can include delivering the file via a virtualized stream. The server can receive a request and initiate downloading of the file for a length of time. The server can identify an amount of available bandwidth and size of the file and determine a first time for the first mode of delivery. The first time can be compared to a second time to deliver the file via the second mode of delivery. The server can select between the first mode of delivery and the second mode of delivery and provide the file via the selected mode of delivery.