Tips to open KEY file

Can't open the KEY file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open KEY files as well as a list of programs that support KEY files.

KEY file extension

File Name Licence Or Encrypted Security Format
File Category Misc Files

The KEY file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the KEY files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the KEY file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is KEY file?

The .KEY file is a security file. It is not a standardized solution. The .KEY file contains the software license key or the key to remove security from the file or folder. The content is in most cases unreadable for the user or protected against editing. Keys of this type are distributed by software producers and other authorization entities. They are tailored to the specific software. Licenses should be secured against unauthorized access.

How to open KEY file?

The main problem with Licence Or Encrypted Security Format is that the KEY file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that KEY files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the KEY 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 Kaspersky Anti-Virus

In this case, you should first verify that the Kaspersky Anti-Virus application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Kaspersky Anti-Virus into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open KEY files.

Step 2. Create association of Kaspersky Anti-Virus with KEY files

If, despite the installed application, the KEY file does not start in the Kaspersky Anti-Virus application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the KEY file with the Kaspersky Anti-Virus application.

Step 3. Update Kaspersky Anti-Virus to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Kaspersky Anti-Virus program, it is possible that Licence Or Encrypted Security Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Kaspersky Lab website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the KEY file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The KEY file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to KEY files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. 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 quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file KEY or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected KEY files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of KEY 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 this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair KEY file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted KEY 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move KEY to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the KEY file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.