EXE File - opening and understanding

Did your computer fail to open an EXE file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle your .EXE files.

What is an EXE file?

Files ending with .EXE are executable program files. You should be able to run them by double-clicking them. If this does not work, the file may be damaged or something on your PC is blocking the execution - that could be your anti-virus software, or perhaps even a virus.If you are getting errors running .EXE files, we strongly suggest you check your PC for errors and malware. On file.org we recommend checking your system with RegClean Pro.If you are sure the file is OK and your PC is virus free, it could be that you have downloaded a non-Windows .EXE file. Executable files for the Symbian operating system also uses the .EXE file extension.

You usually do not need to edit or view these files, as they only contain information usable by the software program that uses them.

Suggest another file format using extension EXE

While we know of one file format using the .EXE file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .EXE file.