File extension LNK
| File type | Windows Shortcut Format |
| Developer | Microsoft |
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What is a LNK file?
Files with the .LNK extension are references to different files, links, used within the Windows-family operating systems. The file contains information not only about the target file’s location, but also its type, its execution method, and, in the case of application shortcuts, sometimes also starting parameters. The files are the equivalents of aliases used in the Mac OS system.
A file link can be created in Windows by right-clicking the mouse on an icon and choosing the “Create shortcut” option. By default, the LNK file icon looks just like the target file’s icon, with the distinction that it has a little square with a curved arrow, which implies that the file is only a reference to a different file. In the Windows graphical interface, the LNK extensions are, by default, fully hidden – they can be made visible only by making changes to the registry.
Program(s) that can open the .LNK file
How to open LNK files
If you cannot open the LNK file on your computer - there may be several reasons. The first and most important reason (the most common) is the lack of a suitable software that supports LNK among those that are installed on your device.
A very simple way to solve this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been done – the software supporting the LNK file can be found in the table. Now just download and install the appropriate application.
Possible problems with the LNK format files
The inability to open and operate the LNK file does not necessarily mean that you do not have an appropriate software installed on your computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to operate the Windows Shortcut Format file. Below is a list of possible problems.
- Corruption of a LNK file which is being opened
- Incorrect links to the LNK file in registry entries.
- Accidental deletion of the description of the LNK from the Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the LNK format
- The LNK file which is being opened is infected with an undesirable malware.
- The computer does not have enough hardware resources to cope with the opening of the LNK file.
- Drivers of equipment used by the computer to open a LNK file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of these reasons do not exist in your case (or have already been eliminated), the LNK file should operate with your programs without any problem. If the problem with the LNK file has not been solved, it may be due to the fact that in this case there is also another rare problem with the LNK file. In this case, the only you can do is to ask for assistance of a professional staff.
Similar extensions
| .adm | Administrator Policy Template Format |
| .adml | Microsoft Administrative Language-specific XML Template Format |
| .admx | Microsoft Administrative XML Template Format |
| .aml | Microsoft Assistance Markup Language |
| .ani | Animated Cursor |
| .ann | Microsoft Windows Help Annotation Format |
| .aos | Archos Signed Encrypted Data Format |
| .asec | Google Android Encrypted Application Package Format |
How to associate the file with an installed software?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (e.g. my-file.LNK) you have two ways to do it. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected LNK file. From the drop-down menu select "Choose default program", then click "Browse" and find the desired program. The whole operation must be confirmed by clicking OK. The second and more difficult to do is associate the LNK file extension to the corresponding software in the Windows Registry.
Is there one way to open unknown files?
Many files contain only simple text data. It is possible that while opening unknown files (e.g. LNK) with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad will allow us to see some of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to preview the contents of many files, but probably not in such a structure as a program dedicated to support them.