---
title: ".exe file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .exe file is a Windows Executable. A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get malware. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/exe/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .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](https://atoneplace.net/file/apk/)
- [.msi — Windows Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/msi/)
- [.dll — Dynamic Link Library](https://atoneplace.net/file/dll/)
- [.sh — Shell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.bat — Windows Batch File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/)
- [.pkg — macOS Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/pkg/)
- [.ps1 — PowerShell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/ps1/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.rpm — RPM Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/)
- [.appimage — AppImage Portable Application](https://atoneplace.net/file/appimage/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)