File Extension Database

Open BAK File

BAK file extension is used by a very large number of different applications to store BAcKup data. Backups are redundant copies of some data which are stored in a different location than original. Good backup practice is to use different physical media at a different physical storage location.

Backups are also created before executing complex operations that have high likelihood of failure. If some error occurs it is then possible to restore data to a previous consistent state and retry the operation again.

Usually you can open BAK file only by the application that created it. Sometimes BAK file can be just copied over the original file by changing the file extension from BAK to the appropriate one. Such operations should only be executed by skilled professionals since changing file extensions can cause data errors and corruption.

How Can I Open BAK File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BAK file is to find a BAK file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BAK 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 BAK 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 BAK file opener then try to search online for "BAK viewer", "application to open BAK file" or "open BAK file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BAK file

How Can I Open BAK File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BAK file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BAK 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 BAK file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BAK file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BAK file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BAK file then try to search for "BAK viewer", "application to open BAK file" or "read BAK file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BAK file

How Can I Open BAK File on Android

If you downloaded a BAK 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 BAK 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 "BAK".
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 "BAK viewer", "BAK 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 BAK File on iPhone or iPad

To open BAK 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 BAK 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 "BAK". This way you can find apps which can open BAK 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 "BAK viewer" or "BAK file" online in your favorite search engine.