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How to Open Ex_file Files in Windows 10
3 min. read
Updated onMarch 14, 2024
updated onMarch 14, 2024
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While usingWindows 10, you might have noticed an unknown ex_ file extension. Today, we’ll tell you more about this extension and show you how toopenex_file extensionsinWindows 10.
So, what is a .ex_ file? Although its name is quite unusual, this is just a compressed executable file, also known as .exe.
As you know, .exe files are used for all sorts of things, such as starting setup processes. Sometimes, developers compress the .exe file into a .ex_ file to make it smaller.
How can I open ex_file files in Windows 10?
As we said earlier, .ex_ files are just compressed .exe files, and you’ll have to decompress them to open them. Although this sounds a bit complicated, it’s a lot simpler than it sounds.
To decompress .ex_fileyou need to do the following:
Here’s Microsoft’sdefinition of an .ex_file:
Windowsexecutablefile renamed from “.exe” to “.ex_”; contains the exact contents of an .EXE file; commonly found on installation CDs, where the installer must first rename thefilebefore executing it.
We also must warn you that .ex_ and ._ex files are different. While the former are compressed .exe files, the latter are sometimes used for spyware. Now that we know the .ex_ file extension, let’s see how toopen.ex_files.
If you get the message ‘Error Msg: Can’t Open OutputFile<filename.ext>’while trying to perform step 3, you need to do the following:
Since a .ex_file is a compressed .exefileand you need to decompress it, maybe you want to learn more about file compression and decompression tools. Here are some posts that may interest you:
That’s about it, I hope this article helped to understand ex_file extension in Windows 10 better. You might alsofind this article on how to quickly open RBF files usefulsince it shows you how to use the built-in Notepad or a dedicated third-party program.
If you have any comments or questions, reach for the comments below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,Fix EXE file errors
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
