Did your computer fail to open a exe file? We explain what exe files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert your exe files. Did you enjoy using our free file extension finder service? Please help us continue to make this service free by leaving us a good review at TrustPilot. Put simply, you can't. An exe file is runnable code (albeit machine code now, not human readable source). This code does not simply play through like a video file or music file, bring code it is able to make decisions and jump to other bits of code within the file. It may then jump back. Download and install 7-Zip. 7-Zip is a free, open-source archive program that can open EXE files as if they were an archive like a ZIP or RAR file. This will work with many EXE files, but not every one. You can download 7-Zip from 7-zip.org.

  1. Windows 10 Not Opening Exe Files
  2. Open Unix Executable File Online
  3. Open Executable Jar File Online
  4. How To Open Exe Files Online
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This article provides a resolution for the issue that you get errors when opening exe files.

Original product version: Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10 - all editions
Original KB number: 555067

This article was written by Yuval Sinay, Microsoft MVP.

Symptoms

Windows 10 Not Opening Exe Files

When you try to open EXE files, you may get error messages like: 'Access Deny', 'Runtime error' and so on.

Open Unix Executable File Online

Cause

Open Executable Jar File Online

Corrupt registry settings or some third-party product (or virus) can change the default configuration for running EXE files. It may lead to failed operation when you try to run EXE files.

How To Open Exe Files Online

Resolution

Files

  1. Click Start, and then select Run.

  2. Type 'command.com', and then press Enter. (A DOS window opens.)

  3. Type the following command lines:

    Press Enter after typing each one.

  4. Type copy 'regedit.exe regedit.com' and then press Enter.

  5. Type 'start regedit.com' and then press Enter.

  6. Navigate to and select the key:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTexefileshellopencommand

  7. In the right pane, double-click the (Default) value.

  8. Delete the current value data, and then type:

    '%1' %*

    Tip: Type the characters: quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.

  9. Close Regedit utility.

    Note

    If you are using Windows XP and you enable 'System Restore' , you need to disable 'System Restore' in 'Safe Mode' before using the instructions above.

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