PREF File Type

By:   |   Revised: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

PREF File Summary

Most PREF files can be viewed with three known software applications, typically macOS developed by Apple. It's main file type association is the Preferences File format, but also includes two other rarely-seen file types. The PREF File Extension are listed predominantly as Settings Files, while in other circumstances they can be Data Files.

File Extension PREF is supported by Mac and Windows operating systems. These types of files can be found on both desktop and mobile devices. PREF files have a "Low" Popularity Rating; this means that they are not present on most devices.

Interested to learn more about the PREF File Extension? We encourage you to view the detailed file information below to learn about the software that opens PREF files, and other troubleshooting tips.

Low
Popularity
2903
Rank

/ 11690

Active

Mode

26

November

2018

Updated

FileViewPro Opens PREF Files

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PREF Types

  3 known file types use this extension

Primary PREF File Association

.PREF
File Format:.pref
Type:Preferences File

PREF files are basically settings files that are used by numerous applications. They are also used as program support files that hold software preferences such as program defaults or additional user detailed application preferences.

Created by: Unknown Developer
File Category:Settings Files
Subkey: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pref

Software Programs That Open The Preferences File:


macOS by Apple

Mac

Additional PREF Files

.PREF
File Format:.pref
Type:Macintosh Preferences File

Files bearing PREF file extension are settings files basically used by Mac OS X applications. User preferences and Settings used by Mac OS X applications are usually saved in PREF files. The PREF files may also be saved in the installation files.

Created by: Apple
File Category:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open Macintosh Preferences File Files:


Apple OS X by Apple

Compatible with:

Mac
.PREF
File Format:.pref
Type:Adobe Device Central Preferences Document File

The PREF files are linked to a utility mostly used by mobile developers and web designers called Adobe Device Central. The function of this tool is to preview and test bitmap ,Flash Lite, web content for mobile devices. The files act as preference data files.

Created by: Adobe Systems Incorporated
File Category:Data Files

Software Programs That Open Adobe Device Central Preferences Document File Files:


Adobe Device Central by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Compatible with:

Windows

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PREF Demand


Primary Browsers

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


Troubleshoot PREF Files


Typical PREF Opening Challenges

macOS Not Present

You attempt to load your PREF file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The PREF File Extension". If so, it typically means that you don't have macOS installed for %%os%%. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.


Tip: Another PREF-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.


Incorrect macOS Version

In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Preferences File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. Visit the Apple website to download (or purchase) the latest version of macOS. This problem is predominately due to having a Preferences File file version that was created by a newer version of macOS than what you have installed on your PC.


Tip: Right-clicking on your PREF, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.


Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening PREF files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.


Other Causes of PREF File Opening Problems

Errors opening Preferences File files can still occur even with the latest macOS software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening PREFs. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for PREF
  • Corruption of the PREF file description inside the Registry
  • Corrupt install of macOS or other PREF-related program
  • The PREF itself is corrupted
  • Malware-tainted PREF file can't be opened
  • Hardware associated with PREF has outdated drivers
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Preferences File format

Quiz: Which file extension is an archive file?









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