Files with exe extension are best known as main program executable files since the times of MS-DOS. It was adopted for executables in Windows as well. Executables are files that launch programs.
There are 2 other file types using
the EXE file extension!
.exe - Self-extracting compressed file archive
.exe - Canvas X slide show
Software that open exe file
EXE file extension - Program executable
What is exe file? How to open exe files?
File extension exe is traditionally used for program executable file since the time of first DOS. There are several versions of this file format, but all serve the same purpose - to start a program.
EXE format was, and still is utilized in many operating system, including MS-DOS, Windows, OS/2, OpenVMS and others. These files can be found in 16-bit, 32-bit as well as 64-bit versions.
Pretty much every program has one or more executables to start it, as such it is probably one of the most used file formats.
In addition to executable code, .exe files can also contain various other data, such as program icons. For example self-extracting archives (such as RAR), use exe file extension for the first part, because it also contains the executable code.
Warning: Executables are also used to spread trojans and other malicious programs. Always be careful when opening unknown exe file as this can infect or alter the settings of your system.
MIME types:
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
Updated: November 7, 2023
The default software associated to open exe file:
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
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 Microsoft Windows 11.
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows operating system with first release in October 2021. It is a free upgrade to its predecessor, Windows 10 (2015), and is available for any Windows 10 devices that meet the new Windows 11 system hardware requirements.
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Windows 10 is operating system for desktop, laptop and tablet computers. Windows 10 is familiar and easy to use, with lots of similarities to Windows 7 including the Start menu.
Windows 10 comes with great built-in apps like Edge, Maps, Photos, Mail & Calendar, Music, Movies & TV. And these apps use OneDrive to back up your information and sync seamlessly across your Windows 10 devices.
Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) used to create applications for Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile, .NET Framework, Silverlight as well as dynamic websites and web applications. Visual Studio is available for Windows and Mac.
List of software applications associated to the .exe file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android 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 exe files.
Software that open exe file - Program executable
Programs supporting the exension exe on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open exe file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Main software associated with exe file by default:
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows 11
Microsoft Windows 10
Other suggested software:
Microsoft Windows 8
Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows 2000
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
Microsoft Windows 3.x