By default, Windows hides file extensions for known file types. But you'll see downloadable files on the Internet, and if you reveal their extensions on your computer, you'll be faced with a wide variety of extensions. The exe extension is one popular type.

Defining exe

In Windows, an exe file (short for "execute") is used to open a program. Some compressed files can be "unzipped" if they have an exe extension. These "self-extracting" archives do not require decompression software.

Interaction with exe

A person cannot typically just create her own exe file to open a program. This file must be designed and produced by the people who made the program. If you need to open a program, Windows will usually install a shortcut to its exe file on your desktop or in the Start menu.

Copyright Protection and exe Files

The exe file is a popular "container" for programming code that prevents someone from making an unauthorized copy of an application or computer game. The serial code you enter when installing a PC game will often be tied to the exe file, making it difficult or impossible to use that code again.

Other Operating Systems

Linux, Mac OS X and most other operating systems will not recognize an exe file since it is based on Windows-specific technology. An exe file is tied to the Windows version of the software. There are programs that enable you to operate Windows software in a Linux or OS X environment.

Security

An exe file is a popular way to infect a computer with a virus or other malware, so it's very important to only open exe files made by software you trust and are familiar with and to protect your computer with antivirus software. It's generally unwise to open unexpected email attachments containing exe files.

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File Extensions: exe

1-27-2017 In DOS, there were several classes of programs. A .BAT file consisted of commands that you might type from the keyboard. A .COM file consisted of machine language commands, the first command in the file being a jump instruction to the actual program start. That encouraged all programmers to put data first so all programs would have at least that much in common. The .EXE format was more complicated to allow the full power of the processor. When I ran a BBS (like a forum but over telephone lines) I used a disk editor to change the .BAT, .COM, and .EXE to other letters so callers couldn't upload malicious files to wreck my system.