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

How Can I Open EXE File on Mac OS

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:

How to Open EXE File on iPhone or iPad

To open EXE File on iOS device follow steps below:

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EXE file article translations

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