.exe files
.exe file
Windows Executable
A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get malware.
What opens a .exe file
- Windows
- Windows (built in — double-click to run), 7-Zip (to inspect an installer)
- macOS
- CrossOver, Wine, Parallels Desktop (full Windows VM)
- Linux
- Wine, Bottles, Proton (via Steam)
What a .exe file is
EXE is the Portable Executable format Windows uses for applications and installers. It runs only on Windows: macOS and Linux need a compatibility layer such as Wine, CrossOver or a full Windows virtual machine, and even then not every program works. Because an EXE executes arbitrary code with your permissions, only run one from a source you trust, and treat any EXE arriving by email as hostile.
Converting it
A .exe file is commonly converted to .msi or .zip. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .exe
- Full name
- Windows Executable
- Category
- Programs and installers
- MIME type
- application/vnd.microsoft.portable-executable
- Created by
- Microsoft
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .exe file?
- On Windows use Windows (built in — double-click to run); on macOS use CrossOver; on Linux use Wine. A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get malware.
- What is a .exe file?
- Windows Executable. EXE is the Portable Executable format Windows uses for applications and installers. It runs only on Windows: macOS and Linux need a compatibility layer such as Wine, CrossOver or a full Windows virtual machine, and even then not every program works.
- Can I convert a .exe file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .msi or .zip, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- .msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
- .appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place