URL File

What are URL files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an URL file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your URL files.

What is an URL file?

An .URL file is a Windows URL Shortcut file.

Files with the .url extension contain Internet shortcuts that are used by a variety of Web browsers. The URL file contains the information for a Website's URL address and may also contain references to the favicon.ico file that is displayed as the icon for the URL shortcut. When a user clicks on this icon, the URL file is referenced and the user's Internet browser launches the Web page that the URL directs to.

How to open URL files

We have identified four URL openers that are compatible with this specific type of URL file.

Programs that open Windows URL Shortcut files

Last updated: January 22, 2025

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of URL files. Remember, different programs may use URL files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about URL file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.