LNK File Description

Author:   |   Updated: December 05, 2018

Microsoft Silver

LNK File Summary

There are two file types associated with the LNK File Extension, with the most widely-observed being the Windows File Shortcut format. According to our database, six distinct software programs (conventionally, Microsoft Windows developed by Microsoft Corporation) will enable you to view these files. LNK files are categorized ordinarily as System Files. Other file types can be Database Files.

The LNK File Extension can be viewed on the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. They are supported on both desktop and mobile devices. The main LNK file type has a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning these files are not frequently present on your typical desktop or mobile device.

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

Low
Popular
8260
Standing

/ 11690

Active

File Status

5

December

2018

Amended

Open LNK with FileViewPro

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Known LNK Files

  2 known file types use this extension

Principal LNK Type

.LNK
File Format:.lnk
Category:Windows File Shortcut

An LNK file is a shortcut that represents a reference to an original file. It contains the target type, location, filename, the program that opens it, and an optional shortcut key.

Organization: Microsoft Corporation
File Category:System Files
Subkey: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk

Software Programs That Open The Windows File Shortcut:


Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Parallels Desktop for Mac by Parallels

Mac

HxD by Open Source

Windows

CrossOver by Codeweavers

Mac
Linux

lnkedit by Open Source

Windows

Secondary LNK Associations

.LNK
File Format:.lnk
Category:Advanced Revelation Database File

Database file created by OpenInsight, a database development software for Microsoft Windows operating system developed by Revelation.

Organization: Revelation Software
File Category:Database Files

Software Programs That Open Advanced Revelation Database File Files:


OpenInsight by Revelation Software

Compatible with:

Windows

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LNK Requests


Device Used

Desktop (84.34%)
Mobile (14.29%)
Tablet (1.37%)


Troubleshooting Problems Opening LNK Files


Common LNK Opening Problems

Microsoft Windows Removed

When trying to open your LNK file, you get the error "Can't Open LNK File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Windows missing in %%os%%. The typical path of opening your LNK with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.


Tip: If you have another software that you know opens LNK files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.


Wrong Version of Microsoft Windows is Installed

Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Windows won't support your Windows File Shortcut file. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Windows. Most of the time your Windows File Shortcut file was created by a newer Microsoft Windows than what you have installed.


Tip: If you right-click on your LNK file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.


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


Associated Difficulties Loading LNK Files

You can still experience errors opening LNK files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows installed on your PC. If you are continuing to have errors with loading LNK files, other external issues might be to blame. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

  • File references in the Windows Registry for LNK are wrong
  • Corruption of the LNK file description inside the Registry
  • Invalid installation of a LNK-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows)
  • Something has caused file corruption of your LNK
  • Past or present virus infection has affected your LNK
  • Drivers associated with LNK software need to be updated
  • Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Windows File Shortcut file

Poll: How many different computer files (eg. documents, videos, audio) do you typically view or edit on a daily basis?









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