Close
Search
Choose language Languages Arrow

How to open SFX files on your device

If an error occurs when you try to open SFX file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate SFX 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.

  1. 1. SFX File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) SFX file?
  3. 3. How to open SFX file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports SFX files
      1. 3.1.1 Programs that can open SFX files
    2. 3.2 Associate given software with SFX files
    3. 3.3 Check whether no other errors related to SFX files occur
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

SFX File Extension

File
  • File type Windows Self-Extracting Archive
  • File developer N/A
  • File category Compressed Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) SFX file?

The SFX file format is a Windows Self-Extracting Archive file that combines compressed data with a special extractor program. This allows executable files to be stored and distributed as a single file without the need to install the extraction software first. The information stored in an SFX file is usually compressed with a program such as Winzip or PKZip so that the download size is smaller.

When a user opens an SFX file, the extraction software will launch and perform the extraction automatically. During extraction, any designated instructions such as copying files to specific folders or launching setup programs can be executed. Once complete, the user can view, access, or install the files from the SFX archive.

Open

How to open SFX file?

There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .SFX files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.

Step 1. Install a program that supports SFX files

In order to open SFX 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 SFX extension.

Programs that can open SFX files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS

Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, SFX files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.

Remember!

Bulb

Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on SFX 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 SFX files.

Step 2. Associate given software with SFX files

A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting SFX files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with SFX 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 SFX 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 SFX files.

When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the SFX file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:

  1. File with SFX extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
  2. File data is corrupted
  3. Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the SFX file is stored
  4. File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the SFX file was saved and then deleted
  5. User account is not privileged to perform operations on SFX files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

Similar file extensions

Submit File

Browse A-Z