EXE File Extension - Printable Version

File Type	Windows Executable File
Developer	Microsoft
Popularity
Category	Executable Files

File Description

Executable program file created for Windows or DOS operating systems; runs when opened and should execute when double-clicked; can also be a self-extracting archive that extracts files to a specified location.

The files Setup.exe and Install.exe are common installer files included with Windows and DOS software. Double-clicking these files should begin the installation process.

EXE files will not run in Mac OS X, but can be run using emulation software, such as Parallels Desktop for Intel-based Macs. Darwine and Crossover can also open some Windows programs. Programs written for Microsoft's .NET framework can also be run on Mac OS X and Linux systems using Xamarin's Mono framework.

NOTE: You can examine the contents of an EXE file manually using 7-Zip.

Program(s) that open .EXE files

Mac OS

	Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac with Microsoft Windows installed
	VMware Fusion 5 with Microsoft Windows installed
	Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed
	CodeWeavers CrossOver
	Darwine
	Kronenberg WineBottler
	Xamarin Mono

Windows

	Microsoft Windows
	7-Zip

Linux

	CodeWeavers CrossOver
	Oracle VM VirtualBox with Microsoft Windows installed
	Wine
	Cedega
	Xamarin Mono

Updated 2/1/2013

File Type	PortableApps.com Application
Developer	Rare Ideas
Popularity
Category	Executable Files

File Description

Computer program that can run from a portable device such as a USB flash drive, iPod, or portable hard drive; contains user settings on the portable device, allowing the program to run the same on multiple computers.

Portable apps use the compound file extension .PAF.EXE.

Program(s) that open .EXE files

Windows

Rare Ideas PortableApps.com Platform

Updated 6/17/2008

.EXE File Extension