Open files with LNK extension quick and easy. 4 steps
It can be very frustrating when you have a LNK file and you cannot open it. But do not worry, in most cases solution to your problem is very simple. Follow the instruction in steps 1-4 listed below and you should be able to solve your problem and open the LNK file with ease.
LNK File Extension
- File type Windows Format Shortcut
- File developer Microsoft
- File category System Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) LNK file?
A LNK file is a Windows File Shortcut that points to an executable file, such as an .EXE, that can be launched directly from the shortcut, without going through Windows Explorer. It can also point to a folder or a drive, allowing quick access to the location. LNK files may appear as "files" in Windows even though they are not actual files and simply point to another location.
LNK files contain all the information necessary to locate and access the target file including a path to the target file, its name, and path to an icon associated with the target. They are stored in an undocumented binary format and have a ".lnk" extension.
How to open LNK file?
LNK file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If LNK file icon is of the form of generic blank page icon or similar it means that given format is not associated with any program installed on the system. Below are listed some of the most popular causes of such situation
Check the LNK file for errors
- No program that supports LNK files is installed on the system
- No program that supports LNK files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open LNK files)
- The file is of unknown or unverified origin and is most probably infected. In such case user must exercise extreme caution in order not to allow the virus propagate to other files in the system (follow the instructions displayed in the dialog box in your antivirus software.
- LNK file may be incomplete, which will prevent the system from opening it (this could be the case with file downloaded from the internet or copied from other sources)
- The file is corrupted
How to solve encountered problems?
In order to solve the following problems, follow the instructions:
Step 1. Select, download and install relevant software. The list of programs supporting files with LNK extension can be found below:
Programs that can open LNK files
Step 2. Associate software supporting LNK with this file format
- Right-click on the LNK file
- Select "Open with" option
- Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
- Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button
Step 3. Scan the LNK file using an antivirus software
Step 4. Verify whether the file has been properly downloaded from the internet or copied from an external storage medium. If not, then re-download or copy the file again.
In 95% of cases following these steps should solve problems with LNK files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.
Last resort – an IT expert
Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with LNK file extensions, there is one last thing you can do – contact an IT expert. You can also try to contact one of the developers of software that supports LNK files.
