File Extension Database

Open LNK File

LNK file extension is most commonly used by LiNK files on Windows operating system. LNK files are also known as "shortcuts". These files are used for quickly accessing some resource: program, document, website, etc. These files contain information about the location of resource shortcut links to (ex: http://www.yahoo.com, or c:\users\John\Documents\Thesis.docx). LNK files also contain and "icon" - small image to display on the desktop or in the start menu that helps distinguish shortcuts from one another.

To open LNK file you can just double click on it.

If LNK file references an executable it contains additional data specific to executable files such as directory to run program from, initial window size (maximized, minimized or normal) and several tweaks and knobs related to compatibility with older versions of Windows.

It's important to remember that shortcuts only reference programs so merely deleting a shortcut from the desktop or start menu doesn't uninstall the program. This has to be done explicitly. Program that has not been uninstalled still consumes computer resources such as disk space, memory, registry settings etc.

If you try to open LNK file which references non existing application or folder the Windows OS will report an error and fail to launch application in the LNK file.

Frequently associated Windows objects:

lnkfile

How Can I Open LNK File on Windows

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

How Can I Open LNK File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open LNK File on Android

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

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