Found 8 file types for the .EXE file extension
This page describes: Program executable file
There are 7 other file types using
the EXE file extension!
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Go to exe file extension details
Software that works with exe file extension
File extension EXE - Program executable file
File type specification:
Dangerous and malicious file type
Email attachment blocked file type
exe file icon: 
File extension EXE description:
The EXE file extension is a common filename suffix indicating an executable file (a program) working in the DOS, Microsoft Windows, OS/2, OpenVMS and Symbian operating systems.
There exist several formats of exe files:
MS-DOS exe files:
- 16-bit DOS MZ exe file - That is the original DOS executable file format, which can be identified by "MZ" in the ASCII.
- 16-bit New Executable - This format was Introduced with Multitasking MS-DOS 4.0, these can be identified by the "NE" in ASCII. This format was never popular or useful for DOS and cannot be run by any other version of DOS
OS/2 exe files:
- 32-bit Linear exe file - Introduced with OS/2 2.0, this executable file format can be identified by the "LX" in ASCII. They are only able to run in OS/2 2.0 or higher and they are also used by some DOS extenders.
- Mixed 16/32-bit Linear exe - Also introduced with OS/2 2.0, these can be identified by the "LE" in ASCII. This format is not used for OS/2 applications anymore, but its instead used for VxD drivers under Windows 3.x and Windows 9x, and by some DOS extenders.
Windows exe files:
- 32-bit Portable Executable - Introduced with Windows NT, this is a very complex format which can be identified by the "PE" in ASCII. These can be run by all versions of Windows NT, and also Windows 95 and higher, partially also in DOS using HX DOS Extender. They are also used in BeOS R3.
- 64-bit Portable Executable- File format introduced by 64-bit versions of Windows, these are PE files with a CPU type corresponding to a 64-bit instruction set such as x86-64 or IA-64. These can only be run on 64-bit machines.
Mime types for executables (files with file extension exe):
application/octet-stream
application/x-msdownload
application/exe
application/x-exe
application/dos-exe
vms/exe
application/x-winexe
application/msdos-windows
application/x-msdos-program
Warning:Viruses and other malicious programs are also very often executables with the exe file extension. Do not run any executable file if it is from unknown or untrusted source or use antivirus software.
The default software that works with exe file format:
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems developed by the Microsoft Corp.. The first Windows was released in 1985 as a GUI add-on to MS-DOS. MS-DOS based Windows versions were developed to 2000, when was released the last version called Windows ME. Windows based on NT core started in 1993. Windows NT family are developed to these days, the latest version is called Windows 7. On NT core are also developed server versions of Microsoft Windows. The latest version is Windows 2008 Server. For portable devices and minimalistic computers, Microsoft develops Windows CE operating system.
List of software associated to the .exe file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, Mac OS X etc.) and possible program actions
that can be done with the file: like open exe file, edit exe file, convert exe file, view exe file, play exe file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able
to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting of the exe files.
- Open exe file
- Others exe file
Programs that open exe file - Program executable file
Click on the link to get more information about Microsoft Windows for open exe file action.
Microsoft Windows platform:
Add a comment about .EXE file extension
Any information regarding file extension .EXE (Program executable file), how to open or convert it is welcome!
There are 7 other file types using the same file extension. Click on the link to search if this is not the appropriate file type.
