Sorts of URL Files

Primary URL File Association

.URL

File ID:	.url
File Type:	Internet Shortcut

The URL file is a shortcut file referenced by web browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE), Apple Safari, and Google Chrome.The URL file contains a web URL and may also store a reference to the favicon.ico icon file, which is displayed as the icon for the shortcut file.URL files open an Internet location, such as a web address, in the user's default browser.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Division:	Web Files
Folder:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.url

Software Programs That Open The Internet Shortcut:

Microsoft Notepad by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Mac

Linux

Internet Explorer by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Mac

Mozilla Firefox by Mozilla

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

Linux

Solaris

illumos

Google Chrome by Google

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

Linux

Apple TextEdit by Apple

Mac

Apple Safari by Apple

Windows

	Mac
	iOS

Android

Linux

Solaris

illumos

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Sources of URL Problems

Common URL Opening Problems

Microsoft Notepad Removed

If you attempt to load your URL file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open URL Files". Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Microsoft Notepad isn't installed on your PC. 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: If you know of another program that can open your URL file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.

Incorrect Microsoft Notepad Version

It is possible that your version of Microsoft Notepad isn't able to open your Internet Shortcut file due to incompatibility. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Notepad if you don't have the right version. This issue mainly occurs when your Internet Shortcut file was created by a newer version of Microsoft Notepad than you have on your PC.

Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the URL file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.

Primarily, problems experienced when opening URL files are due to having the incorrect version of Microsoft Notepad installed on your computer.

Other URL File Opening Causes

In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Microsoft Notepad will resolve your issue. If you're still experiencing problems opening URL files, there could be other computer problems. Problems unrelated to software:

• Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for URL
• Deletion of the URL file description from the Registry by mistake
• Corrupt install of Microsoft Notepad or other URL-related program
• File corruption affecting your URL file
• Malware-tainted URL file can't be opened
• URL-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
• Windows cannot load your Internet Shortcut file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)