Tips to open ICO file
Can't open the ICO file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open ICO files as well as a list of programs that support ICO files.
ICO file extension
The ICO file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ICO files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ICO file on each system platform.
What is ICO file?
An .ICO file is a special type of system image file. The file consists of raster graphics. It contains icons that can be used by programs or folders to change their appearance. The file contains a range of icons from 16x16 pixels to 256X256 pixels depending on the application. The icons have 32-bit color depth, of which 8 bits are reserved for the Alpha channel (transparency). There may be cases where the color depth is lower, in which case each icon has a separate bitmap that serves as a transparency mask.
How to open ICO file?
The most common problem when using Icon Format is that a specific ICO is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that ICO files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ICO 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 Apple Preview
In this case, you should first verify that the Apple Preview application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Apple Preview in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file ICO with Apple Preview. Below is a list of programs that support the file ICO.
Programs to open ICO file
Remember to download programs supporting ICO files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Apple Preview with ICO files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the ICO file to open in the Apple Preview application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the ICO file with the Apple Preview application.
Step 3. Update Apple Preview to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the Apple Preview program, it is possible that Icon Format requires a newer version of the program.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ICO file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:
The ICO file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to ICO files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our ICO file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover ICO files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of ICO file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular ICO file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted ICO files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move ICO to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the ICO file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the ICO file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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