Tips to open URL file

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

URL file extension

File Name Internet Shortcut
File Category Web Files

The URL file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the URL files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the URL file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is URL file?

The file with the extension URL is the Web Files file type. In addition to this file, the Web Files category includes 303 related files. Internet Shortcut is supported by 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Safari to handle this file. This is a program created by Apple, Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 9 other programs. You can use Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Windows Notepad, Microsoft Internet Explorer in case Safari cannot be used.

How to open URL file?

The most common problem when using Internet Shortcut is that a specific URL is not associated with the program. This causes the file URL to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the URL 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 Safari

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Safari is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Safari into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file URL with Safari. Below is a list of programs that support the file URL.

Step 2. Create association of Safari with URL files

If, despite the installed application, the URL file does not start in the Safari 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 window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Safari application as the default for handling the URL file.

Step 3. Update Safari to the latest version

If, however, after binding Safari with Internet Shortcut there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the URL file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the URL file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected URL files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the URL file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular URL file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted URL 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. Copying the URL file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.