How to open PF files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open PF file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate PF files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
PF File Extension
- File type Windows Prefetch Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category System Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PF file?
PF (Windows prefetch) files are used by Windows to optimize the loading of applications. These files contain information such as the name and location of the executed application, as well as the number of times it has been run and the date of the last launch. By storing this information, Windows is able to reliably determine which components need to be extracted from memory or disk for a faster launch.
PF files have an .pf extension, and are generated when a program is launched. They are stored in %SYSTEMROOT%Prefetch, and they use a proprietary binary format and cannot be opened or viewed using regular text editors. PF files can be safely deleted if no longer needed, although they will be recreated automatically unless otherwise restricted.
How to open PF file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .PF files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports PF files
In order to open PF file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with PF extension.
Programs that can open PF files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, PF files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on PF files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to PF files.
Step 2. Associate given software with PF files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting PF files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with PF files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open PF files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open PF files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to PF files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the PF file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with PF extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the PF file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the PF file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on PF files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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