File Extension Database

Open EXE File

EXE file extension is most commonly associated with an executable file which is usually found on the Windows platform. EXE files may also be found on DOS or OS/2 operating systems, or on Windows emulators on Mac or Linux.

The majority of EXE files are linked to applications or installation routines. Desktop icons and Start Menu items in Windows point to EXE files which launch the desired application, whereas setup EXE files will launch an installer for a given piece of software. It is also possible to create self extracting archives using Zip software which also have the EXE file extension. When run, the archive will self-extract, meaning that the client machine does not need unzipping software to open the file. These are often used to distribute files over the Internet as they offer wider compatibility.

It is impossible to tell the contents of an executable file without running it, though the filename and its location will often give an indication as to what it will run. Application EXE files will typically have the same name as the application that they launch, and installation routines are usually called setup or install.

Since EXE files are executable files are executable they run immediately once you open EXE file. Though the majority of EXE files are applications, installation routines or self extracting archives, they can also be used to run malicious software containing viruses or spyware. Therefore, EXE files from unknown sources should be avoided or at minimum virus-checked prior to execution minimize the risk of unintentionally running or installing malware.

You can open EXE files natively on Windows by double clicking the filename. Though EXE files are not natively supported by Mac or UNIX-based operating systems, they can be run using WIndows emulation software such as Parallels Desktop with Windows installed on a Mac, or using Wine or Cedega on Linux.

Typical EXE application file locations:

%1 %*
"%1" %*

Typical EXE mime types:

application/x-msdownload

Frequently associated Windows objects:

exefile

How Can I Open EXE File on Windows

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

How Can I Open EXE File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open EXE File on Android

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

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