File Extension Database

Open PF File

PF file extension is used by Windows to initially prefetch files that are about to be opened. Before a file is loaded, Windows has to check the corresponding directory if it has a PF file linked to the application. If it can find one, the PF file will be used to open the application directly. In cases where a PF file is not linked to the application, Windows will create the file and store it to the folder and load the application.

Most computers store PF files in C:\%windir%\prefetch directory. A prefetch (PF) file linked to an application and is updated once the application is accessed. Prefetch files are essential to Windows XP in loading applications faster. However, Prefetch folders can be disabled by accessing the registry.

A corrupted PF file or Prefetch folder can cause issues to the system. It is recommended to delete those prefetch files regularly. In addition, PF files for uninstalled applications can remain in the folder unless deleted. PF files can be manually deleted by opening the folder and deleting the files form there.

There are instances when worms and viruses are accessed through the PF files of a computer. Some anti-virus software applications are unable to scan the source file, but can still locate and open PF file linked to a virus or worm.

How Can I Open PF File on Windows

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

How Can I Open PF File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open PF File on Android

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

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