Tips to open EXE file
Can't open the EXE file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open EXE files as well as a list of programs that support EXE files.
EXE file extension
| File Name |
Windows Executable Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Executable Files |
The EXE file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the EXE files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the EXE file on each system platform.
What is EXE file?
The .EXE file is the Windows executable. These types of files are programs that are executed directly by the operating system (or other applications). They do not require programs in which to open them. However, it is possible that additional libraries or framework may be required to run the application. Most applications launch directly from the file explorer. Some may need to be run from the command line. .EXE files can be dangerous if they come from untrustworthy sources.
How to open EXE file?
The main problem with Windows Executable Format is that the EXE file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open EXE, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the EXE file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Parallels Desktop
In this case, you should first verify that the Parallels Desktop application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Parallels Desktop in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file EXE.
Programs to open EXE file
Remember to download programs supporting EXE files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Parallels Desktop with EXE files
If, despite the installed application, the EXE file does not start in the Parallels Desktop application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the EXE file with the Parallels Desktop program.
Step 3. Update Parallels Desktop to the latest version
If, despite the association of the Parallels Desktop program with the Windows Executable Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the EXE file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:
The EXE file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the EXE file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file EXE or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover EXE files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the EXE files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged EXE files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted EXE files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the EXE file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the EXE file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the EXE file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the EXE file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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