File Extension Database

Open XNK File

A file with the XNK extension is an Exchange Shortcut file.

It is used to quickly open a specific folder or other item in Microsoft Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook is an email manager software developed by Microsoft, available as part of the Microsoft Office suite.

On the other hand, Microsoft Outlook can be used as an independent application to work with Microsoft Exchange Server to provide services to multiple users within an organization such as shared mailboxes, common calendars, agendas, etc.

XNK files are created by dragging the object directly from Outlook and dropping it on the desktop.

Instead of moving the item from Outlook to the desktop, a reference or shortcut is created so that you can quickly access the same item again, using the XNK file.

Since XNK files are just shortcuts to open items in Microsoft Outlook, double-clicking one of them will do exactly that, i.e. it's not a file itself.

It goes without saying that for this action to take effect, you must have Microsoft Outlook installed, of course.

However, this feature of XNK files has several vulnerabilities, which were exploited by hackers, and since Outlook 2007, Microsoft removed support for XNK.

In any case, this function can be re-enabled manually by the user, from that version of Outlook, or a later one.

Typically, if you're having trouble opening an XNK file in Outlook 2007 or later, you'll see an error saying 'Cannot open file' or 'Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook'.

To re-enable the feature for the XNK file, maybe some specific changes must be made to the Windows Registry.

You need to know if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows before you can use that registry setting.

See 'Am I running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?' in the search bar for help on how to find out if you're not sure.

There is a possibility that some attacks by hackers will focus on trying to open a malicious program from a valid XNK file, for which you need to change the default program for a specific file extension, which should fix the problem.

Software to open and work with an XNK file

Microsoft Outlook

How Can I Open XNK File on Windows

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

How Can I Open XNK File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open XNK File on Android

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

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

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