Executable program format used by MS-DOS, Windows, OS/2, OpenVMS, installers, and self-extracting archives
File type: Email attachment blocked file, Program executable file, Dangerous and malicious file
An executable program format traditionally associated with MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows. It can contain native machine code, managed .NET assemblies, application resources, installers, or self-extracting archives.
On Windows, executable programs are normally launched with File Explorer, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Unknown executable files should not be run because they may install unwanted software, modify system settings, or contain malware.
Found 3 different file type records with the same exe filename suffix.
File type category:
Email attachment blocked file
Program executable file
Dangerous and malicious file
Date updated: September 24, 2026
The format has been used for several executable file structures, including DOS executable formats and the Windows Portable Executable (PE) format, which evolved from the older New Executable format. Most Windows PE files begin with an MZ DOS header and contain a PE signature followed by information such as CPU architecture, code and data sections, imports, exports, resources, and an entry point.
Executable files may target 16-bit, 32-bit, or 64-bit processors, including x86, x86-64, and ARM architectures. They can be compiled from languages such as C, C++, Rust, Go, and Delphi, or produced as managed applications for the .NET runtime. Resources such as icons, dialogs, version information, and embedded configuration data may also be included.
Modern Windows versions provide native support for PE executables. Some are installers created with tools such as Inno Setup, NSIS, or InstallShield; others are standalone applications or self-extracting archives. The extension has also been used by executable formats on systems such as OS/2 and OpenVMS, so its exact internal structure depends on the originating platform.
Digital signatures using technologies such as Authenticode can help identify a publisher and detect modification, but a valid signature does not guarantee that software is safe. Antivirus and endpoint-security software commonly examines executable files because malware is frequently distributed in this form. Windows executables do not normally run directly on macOS or Linux, although compatible programs may work through Wine, CrossOver, or a Windows virtual machine.
In Windows, obtain the file from a trusted source, scan it with security software, and double-click it in File Explorer. It can also be started from Command Prompt or PowerShell, but administrator privileges should be granted only when necessary. Avoid opening executable files received unexpectedly by email or downloaded from untrusted websites.
On Linux, try Wine or a virtual machine running Windows. On macOS, compatible programs may work with Wine, CrossOver, or virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. Compatibility depends on the program, required Windows libraries, and CPU architecture; specialized reverse-engineering tools may inspect or decompile some executables without running them.
An executable is compiled software rather than a document format, so it generally cannot be meaningfully converted to another application format. To create a native macOS or Linux version, obtain the original source code and rebuild it with development tools for the target platform. Renaming the filename extension does not perform a conversion.
If the executable is an installer or self-extracting archive, its contents may sometimes be extracted with desktop tools such as 7-Zip or WinRAR. Online conversion services are generally unsuitable for executable files because uploading them can expose proprietary software or malware; use trusted local extraction or analysis tools instead.
Software applications that can open exe files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Apps designed for playing exe files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software apps that create exe files:
Multiplatform
Software apps that recover exe files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that handle other tasks involving exe files:
Multiplatform
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File type category:
Program executable file
Date updated: July 19, 2023
File extension exe is also used for the default slide show export format in Canvas X graphics suite.
Slideshows in can be saved either as the the default .cvx files, or as a self-running application that can only be executed on a Windows platform without the need to have Canvas X installed on the system.
You can only launch these files to start the slide show.
Considering that these files are compiled, export is unlikely. If you need to, you have to export the original source document (.cvx).
Software apps that export exe files:
Multiplatform
File type category:
Archive and compressed file
Date updated: July 25, 2025
File extension exe is also commonly used for so called self-extracting compressed file archives.
Depending on which program produced the archive you may be able to open this file in an unzipping program and extract files directly from it. In general, however, this file is designed to run and perform an extract just by double clicking on the file.
These files are executables. Opening should result in files being extracted.
In order to convert these archives to something else, you would first need to decompres the contents and then re-pack it again. Some programs do it automatically during the conversion process.
Software apps that extract exe files:
Microsoft Windows
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Software apps that recover exe files:
Microsoft Windows
Multi-volume, also multi-part or split archives, were and are still used by many users. It is basica...
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