Unknown file how to open

How to open unknown file extensions in Windows 10

open all the files
in the same environment

If you’re on a mission to discover the best tool that can help you identify unknown files, then you must not miss out on these products for Windows 10.

This problem usually appears when you try to open specific files that are not recognized by Windows. Hence, when you try to double-click the file you get the pop-up message How do you want to open this file?

In this case, you can use some solutions to open unknown files, so bear with us to find out effective ways to open your files and overcome the issue.

What can I do to open unknown files?

When you encounter this issue opening unsupported files, the first step would be to find a method to open that file. For that, you can search in the Microsoft Store for an app to open your unknown files.

You should be aware that using this method to resolve the issue might not be that efficient because there are not so many Store apps that work on desktops.

Anyway, there are chances you can find desktop available programs on Windows Store that open multiple file types, so it is worth a shot.

In addition, it’s recommended to search in more depth and discover other manners to open unsupported files.

For example, you have useful file extensions websites that provide extensive results for various unknown files and what programs you need to open them.

How do I open unknown files in Windows 10?

Adobe Acrobat

The support does not just end there. In the Pro version of the Acrobat, you also have a plethora of 2D, 3D, video, and audio formats to play with.

And you can easily convert them into editable documents that can be adjusted to your rendering needs.

In addition, you can edit or convert different types of files using this reader and manage them accordingly in a few clicks.

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat can deal with a lot of file extensions that other software doesn’t even know about.

TrID File Identifier

The program comes in two variants: a piece of downloadable software or an online version.

It can identify a file type from its binary signature by browsing for selecting a file that you need to analyze.

After a short wait, the results will be displayed and the file accessed and compared against pre-existing definitions from the program’s database.

This tool has multiple utilities and can assist you in opening unsupported files and support different files recovery.

Moreover, the database of files is constantly updated and describes patterns of various files you need to open on your PC.

Thankfully, you benefit from an expanding database that stores supported files and can detect unknown files accurately with useful analysis.

Smart File Advisor

Smart File Advisor can easily identify files that have no extension or have no known compatible software. The tool first analyzes various parts of the file content in order to determine which program to use to open it.

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This small and intelligent tool can also notify you about any software updates for the apps installed on your system.

You might encounter unsupported files types now and then so you certainly need support to identify the specific file and the right software to open with.

Using Smart File Advisor you can be relaxed about opening files due to its extensive database that has infinite file types.

Plus, the tool is built to find diverse file types classified by category and it includes a plethora of categories to choose from.

The software is also free to use and is completely safe to use, so you can stay relaxed about spyware or viruses.

Open With

This program provides users with detailed info about file extensions and also links to free software for opening and creating each file type.

It comes with an app that works even when you’re not online. Another great feature is how it can find out the exact software you’ll have to use to access the file after it discovers its type.

Open With is the most suited platform to detect unknown types of files and also find the programs needed to open them.

It includes a rich database with thousands of file extensions to offer you the needed support to successfully open and create file types.

This solution also offers categorized files in order to cover every need regarding Windows files. For instance, you have compressed files, disk images, encoded files, images, documents, and much more.

This being said, you should consider this free tool that can actually offer the same results as the paid software out there.

FILExt

This is an online tool and one of the best-known for identifying file types. The program includes a large database of file extensions and also includes the software that uses them with a site that features an alphabetical index of 1526 extensions.

You just have to enter the file extension that you’re analyzing into the search box of the program and press the Search button.

If it finds the extension in its database, a results page will appear showing the data related to the file.

In the unfortunate case, that the program does not find the extension in its database, the user will get a link to a page with information on what to do next for more research.

It’s good to mention that Filext is a popular tool used by millions of users to detect and view various files. Plus, the software is on market for over 20 years and efficiently assists the users.

Hence, if you require reliable support to open unknown file extensions on your Windows PC, this choice is more than suited for you.

File extensions are used to help us find the specific type of file that we need to access — and there are lots of them.

Read more about this topic

It can sometimes happen that our computer stumbles on a file extension that is unfamiliar to the system.

And as a result, the PC will not be able to open it. Fortunately, the tools above will help your system identify unrecognized types of files.

Which one are you currently using? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.

Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

How to open unknown File Type in Windows 10

File extensions are the characters that precede the last period of a file name. It helps us find the type of file we are trying to open i.e. whether it is an audio file, video file, or simply a document that we need to access and the kind of program required to open it. The common formats of files that we are aware of or have come across are MPG, MP$, Avi, MOV, and WMV – but there are many more. At times we may come across an unfamiliar file extension that our computer may not know how to open. Well, If you’re looking for a more generic solution to identifying unrecognized file types, here are tools to help you out.

Open unknown File Type in Windows 10

You can identify, run or open any file with an unknown File extension on Windows 10/8/7 using one of these free software or online tools.

1] TrIDNet File Identifier

The former version of TrIDNet is used for file types that are light in weight while the latter is used for heavier files and when offline.

2] MediaInfo

3] FILExt

FILExt is one of the widely-known sites to identify file types. It includes a vast database of file extensions and the various programs that use them. When you want to know the file extension, simply enter it into the search box of FILExt and hit its Search button. If the file type is listed in any of the FILExt databases, data related to it will be shown on a results page. If it’s not, the user will be offered a link to a page with hints on how to do further research. What’s unique about FILExt.com is that it is a file extension reference library for a variety of file types. The site has an alphabetical index of nearly 1526 extensions.

4] OpenWith.org

OpenWith is capable of providing its users with detailed information about most file extensions and links to free programs that can open and create each type of file. One great feature of this program is that it comes with an app that works even when you are offline. Also, it can determine the software you will be requiring to access the file once you have discovered that it isn’t malware after all.

Let us know if you know any other free way to open unknown file extensions.

Date: May 10, 2020 Tags: File Extension

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A post-graduate in Biotechnology, Hemant switched gears to writing about Microsoft technologies and has been a contributor to TheWindowsClub since then. When he is not working, you can usually find him out traveling to different places or indulging himself in binge-watching.

UNKNOWN file – What is it? How to open such file? Solutions to problems with UNKNOWN files

Unknown file extension can be a source of various problems. However, identifying the causes of problems with UNKNOWN files and addressing them isn’t necessary a complicated process. This article will describe 5 simple steps that will let you address problems with UNKNOWN files.

UNKNOWN File Extension

How to open UNKNOWN file?

Step 1. Find and download then install appropriate software

Typically in order to open .UNKNOWN files it is sufficient to follow these simple steps: find, download, and install appropriate software. Then, by double-clicking on the file icon, open the file. System should automatically associate UNKNOWN file with appropriate software. Below is the list of programs required to open files with UNKNOWN extension:

Programs that support UNKNOWN files

Step 2. Verify whether the UNKNOWN file is not infected with malware

If given file with UNKNOWN extension is not infected, it is possible that the antivirus software is blocking access to the file. User should take necessary precautions and follow the steps suggested by the system. After recovering or removing the infected file it is recommended to scan the entire system for viruses. Yo will have to acquire a new, clean version of UNKNOWN file.

Be advised that you can always consult an IT expert for help. Some problems with UNKNOWN files can be hard to solve for less sophisticated users. Also, you can ask for help one of the developers of software that supports files with UNKNOWN extension. In order to do so, go to software’s subpage and search for software’s developer website address

Step 3. Verify whether the UNKNOWN files is complete, that is, was it downloaded properly

If the UNKNOWN file has not been downloaded properly it is not possible for the software to open such file. Check the file size in the location from where you downloaded the file in question. If the size of the original file differs from the size of downloaded UNKNOWN file, you will have to download the file again.

Step 4. Verify whether UNKNOWN files are associated with proper software

If the system registry has no entry related to default program that should be used to open UNKNOWN files, even though given program is installed on the system, then UNKNOWN files must be associated with the application in question.

Associating files with applications is performed similarly regardless of the type of system and consists in selecting an application which should be used for opening given type of files. In order to associate UNKNOWN files with given application, right-click the file icon and select form the context menu «Open with» option, which will display a list of suggested programs. Select your program from the list. If the application is not on the list, use the «Browse» button and point to the location of the application. Checking «Always use selected application to open this kind of files» option will set selected application as the default application for opening given files.

Step 5. Verify whether the storage medium on which the UNKNOWN files is stored is not damaged or corrupted

It is possible that the storage medium on which the file is located is damaged or corrupted. Try scanning the storage medium for errors.

Digital Citizen

3 ways to open files with unknown file extensions, in Windows

We all encountered files with uncommon extensions, from time to time. Of course many of us know about .docx files, .pdf files, .mp3 files or .iso files. However, have you heard about the .eps file extension? How about .dng? What do you do if you have to open such files? In this article, we are going to show you how to deal with files with unknown file types and learn which apps or programs you should install to view their content. Let’s get started:

First Phase: Meeting the unknown file

As we cannot cover how to open every file extension that was invented in the world of computers, we are going to share a practical example using an unusual file and what we did to understand how to open it and view its content. Let’s say that someone emails you a file with the .eps file extension.

The first instinct is to double-click on the file. Windows has no idea how to open this file type, using its own preinstalled programs. As a consequence, Windows asks you «How do you want to open this type of file?».

The most important rule when using a PC is: do not panic. There is always a solution and, if you try one of the following methods, you should be able to open the file. You are now entering the second phase.

You can use multiple methods to find how to open the unknown file. Whether it’s looking for an app in the Microsoft Store, searching on your favorite search engine, or browsing on various websites, everything you do at this point is called research. It usually takes a matter of minutes:

Method 1. Search the Microsoft Store for an app that can open the unknown file

When Windows asks how you want to open this file, you can click or tap «Look for an app in the Store.» The Microsoft Store opens showing all the apps that can open this file. Generally, we do not recommend this method, because the Microsoft Store holds mostly non-desktop apps which cannot open that many files and your results might be disappointing. Thankfully, however, the Microsoft Store also includes a small number of desktop applications, which can be used to open more complex files. Still, there is a small chance that you might find the appropriate app by using this method.

Method 2. Search the FILExt database to find out how to open the unknown file

Searching online is always the best method to learn about a new file type, and the best place to do it is the Filext database. It is an impressive database which contains over 50,000 known file extensions.

To find the unknown file type, you can either go through the alphabetical lists or use the search. Once you find the file extension that you are interested in, click or tap on it, to see all its details. You should find at least a few programs that can open that type of file, as well as details about its purpose and history.

Method 3. Search the internet to find out how to open the unknown file

If you still have not managed to find out how to open the unknown file type, you should also try to look for information about it on a search engine such as Google or Bing. By using a search engine, you should be able to see what type of file your unknown file is, in which situations it is used, and what software can open that unknown file type.

What to do once you find out what app you need to open the unknown file?

Let’s continue with our example: based on what Google says, the .eps file format is a graphics file format that is used in Adobe Illustrator. That means that we should install Adobe Illustrator and open the file. The problem is that this app is commercial and we do not own a license for it. So, the next question is: «Do I have to pay for software to open this unknown file?».

The answer is: not necessarily, but in some cases, you may have to. You can always look for free, open-source alternatives to open files, but you might not get all the features found in their paid counterparts.

To find the appropriate app that can open your file, you should look through the search results and spot some app names. For example, if you go to Wikipedia and type in the name of the extension, you might find the information you need right there. Here is an image showing what programs can open the .eps file format.

In our research journey, we decided to open the .eps file with GIMP, an open-source image editing program. What do you know? It worked! 🙂

NOTE: What if you have the right software for opening your unknown file, but you keep getting errors and you still cannot open it? Do not panic: some apps require codecs to be able to open specific files. If you stumble upon such a situation, try searching the internet for the specific errors that you are getting. If you cannot find anything relevant, the file you are trying to open may be corrupt, or the codecs were not installed correctly.

Bonus Method: Ask!

If searching does not help you, or you just cannot find something that can open your magic unknown file, try asking the person who sent it. You might only need to install one small viewer or do a bit more complicated work as we did above. If you are lucky and your friend is a tech-savvy type, he/she might be able to help you.

Always be cautious

When downloading unknown file types, you must be careful so that you do not get malware on your computer or device. This applies not only to the files you download but also to the viewers and codecs you install to view those files. Research thoroughly, and if you are still not sure, ask a more qualified person for advice. This article is going to help: How to avoid the risks and dangers of downloading free apps and games from the web.

Last but not least, take care that you are using legally obtained software to open the unknown files. If what you need is free or open-source software, there is nothing to worry about, but if you need something more complex, purchase it, do not use pirated apps. It is the best way to protect yourself from malware threats, and you also reward the people who worked hard for that application that you need.

Do you often need to open unknown file types?

If you encounter an unknown file type, it takes only a few minutes of research to discover how to open it. There are some basic methods of finding out what type it is, what programs can open it and what it is used for. After making sure that it is safe and that you can acquire the appropriate software safely, you can go ahead and apply some of the solutions found online. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

How to Open Unknown Files

Did it ever happen to you that you downloaded a song or video clip, or someone sent you a file via email and once you want to open and view it, it doesn’t work? Of course you wonder why, and after checking the file you see that you may have never heard of this kind of file before. Don’t panic. The next time you encounter such an unknown file, you will be well prepared!

In this article, we will tell you how to easily handle unknown file formats, and what you can do to use them on your computer without installing any additional software.

What’s the File Extension?

The first thing to do when you find a file that you can’t open is to find out what file extension it has. Because once you have the extension’s name, you can find out what kind of file it is and how you can open it.

Find the file in question and click on it with your right mouse button. Depending on what OS you use (Windows or Apple) a list of options will pop up. One of them should be “Properties” or something similar (also depending on the language of your computer). Once you clicked on it, a pop up window will open which lists all the properties of your file. When using Windows, you will have a point that says “File Type:”. There you will find the necessary information about your file type, e.g. PDF-File (.pdf)

The file extension are the letters following the dot in the brackets. In this case, the file extension would be PDF.

What kind of File is it?

Now that you know what kind of file extension you’re dealing with, it’s time to find out what kind of file it is. A document, an image, or maybe a music file? Or something else entirely?

The easiest and most informative way to do so is by referring to a list of file formats where you can easily search for the one in question. Such lists not only give you information about the developers and all kinds of technical data about the file type, but also about the programs with which you can open them!

For example, you found an AIF file on your computer. Searching the list linked above, you find a listing under “Audio Files.” Now you know that this file was developed by Apple, contains audio data, and can be opened by the Quicktime or Windows Media Player.

How to open/view this File?

In the best case, you can now choose the program you prefer to open the file, may it be a document file or a spreadsheet. But what if you don’t have any program from the list presented installed on your computer? Instead of having to install yet another video player or Office suit program, you can easily convert your file into a format that the most popular programs can open.

Unfortunately, especially when it comes to video files, there can still be problems when you want to play a video that contains codecs that are not installed on your computer. T find more about these cases, you can read our article about video codecs and containers.