File Extension Database

Open APPREF-MS File

APPREF-MS file extensions are used by Microsoft Windows to open and execute ClickOnce applications. These files ensure that certain files are linked to its corresponding application and can be opened and deployed by Microsoft Windows easily. Although uncommon, users may come across an APPREF-MS file and wonder how to open or use this file extension. In this article, we will discuss possible formats and ways to open and interact with APPREF-MS file extensions.

ClickOnce Deployment and APPREF-MS Files

ClickOnce is a Microsoft technology that enables simple installation and updates for Windows-based applications. The technology aims to reduce time and effort in deploying and maintaining Windows applications, allowing the users to get essential application updates without being involved in the installation process. ClickOnce applications can be installed from a web page, a network share, or other sources, such as a CD-ROM. When installed, an APPREF-MS file is created as a shortcut to launch the ClickOnce application.

How to Open APPREF-MS Files

In most cases, APPREF-MS files will open automatically when you double-click them. Since these files are associated with a specific ClickOnce application, you do not need additional software or tools for opening them. However, if you encounter issues when attempting to open the file, consider the following approaches:

Right-click on the APPREF-MS file and select "Open with" from the context menu. Then choose the appropriate ClickOnce application or Windows default application to open the file.
If you do not know the appropriate application, try launching the Windows program associated with the file by searching for it in the Microsoft Windows Start menu or using the search function. In some cases, the corresponding application will also display the APPREF-MS file extension in its "Open" or "Save as" dialogues.
In case the above methods do not work, seek help from online forums or communities focused on Windows applications and file formats. These communities can provide valuable insights and potential solutions for opening and using APPREF-MS files.

Altering APPREF-MS Files

APPREF-MS files should not be modified or edited, as it can lead to issues with the associated ClickOnce application. However, if you accidentally delete or lose the APPREF-MS file, you may need to reinstall the corresponding Windows application. This will create a new APPREF-MS file that can be used to launch the application.

APPREF-MS File Important Information

It is essential to understand that APPREF-MS files are not the actual applications but shortcuts created by Microsoft Windows to manage ClickOnce applications. They are used to facilitate easy deployment and updates, and the proper operation of these files is essential for the smooth functioning of ClickOnce applications. Hence, it is crucial to avoid deleting or manipulating APPREF-MS files without proper knowledge and to always maintain up-to-date Windows systems and applications to reduce the likelihood of issues arising with APPREF-MS file extensions.

Typical APPREF-MS application file locations:

rundll32.exe dfshim.dll
rundll32.exe dfshim.dll,ShOpenVerbShortcut %1|%2

Typical APPREF-MS mime types:

ShOpenVerbShortcut %1|%2

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Application.Reference

How Can I Open APPREF-MS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open APPREF-MS file is to find a APPREF-MS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a APPREF-MS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open APPREF-MS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as APPREF-MS file opener then try to search online for "APPREF-MS viewer", "application to open APPREF-MS file" or "open APPREF-MS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open APPREF-MS file

How Can I Open APPREF-MS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a APPREF-MS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a APPREF-MS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with APPREF-MS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as APPREF-MS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open APPREF-MS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open APPREF-MS file then try to search for "APPREF-MS viewer", "application to open APPREF-MS file" or "read APPREF-MS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read APPREF-MS file

How Can I Open APPREF-MS File on Android

If you downloaded a APPREF-MS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded APPREF-MS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "APPREF-MS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "APPREF-MS viewer", "APPREF-MS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open APPREF-MS File on iPhone or iPad

To open APPREF-MS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the APPREF-MS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "APPREF-MS". This way you can find apps which can open APPREF-MS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "APPREF-MS viewer" or "APPREF-MS file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.