Have you ever experienced this? Sometimes we download a file, but we can’t open it. The file icon is unfamiliar, and the extension makes no sense. You are not alone! Unknown file types can be puzzling, but don’t worry—we have got you covered.
To know how to open unknown file, you have to understand what is a file type and its extensions. This read lists some effective methods and handy tricks to help you confidently handle those mysterious files. Let’s get started!
File Extensions – What is it?
Let us first decode what file extensions are all about. A file extension is the suffix at the end of a file name, separated by a dot (.pdf, .docx). This small but mighty segment tells your operating system what type of file it is and which application is best suited to open it.
For instance, a .txt file opens in a text editor like Notepad. Image viewers recognize a .jpg file. When a file extension is unknown, your operating system may not know which application to use. It will leave you in a digital mystery.
Why You Might Encounter Unknown Files?
There are several reasons why you might come across an unknown file:
- The file was created by a new or niche application you don’t have installed.
- The file extension might be corrupted or changed inadvertently.
- Some unknown files could be disguised malware.
Methods to Open Unknown Files
Check the File Extension and Use the “Open With” Option
The simplest way to tackle an unknown file is to use the “Open with” feature. Here is how:
- Right-click on the file.
- Select “Open with” from the context menu.
- Choose an application from the list or click “Choose another app” to see more options.
Sometimes, the file might open in a default application. But if it doesn’t, trying different applications from the list might help. If none of the listed apps work, consider downloading a specialized application that supports the file type.
Search the Microsoft Store
If you don’t have the right app installed, the Microsoft Store can be a treasure trove of solutions:
- Right-click on the file and choose “Open with”> “Search the Microsoft Store.”
- The Store will display applications that can open the file type.
For example, if you are dealing with an `.epub` file (an eBook format), the Microsoft Store will show you various EPUB readers you can download and install.
Use a File Identifier Tool
If you don’t know how to open unknown file and the file extension remains a mystery, file identifier tools can help. These tools analyze the file’s content to determine its format. Here are some popular options:
TrID: It is a free utility that identifies file types by examining their binary signatures.
CheckFileType.com: It is an online tool that differentiates file types based on content.
Hachoir: It is a Python library that lets you explore and modify binary files.
Try a Universal File Viewer
Universal file viewers can open various file formats, even those you don’t recognize. They can be particularly useful if you frequently deal with unfamiliar files. Some recommended file viewers include:
Universal Viewer: It allows viewing of multiple file formats and offers customizable viewing options.
Free Viewer: It supports various formats, including documents, media files, and more.
File Viewer Lite: It is designed for Windows users. It handles various file types with basic editing features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you are still having trouble, here are some common issues you might face:
- Files may become damaged due to incomplete downloads or hardware issues. Attempt to repair the file or find a new copy.
- Make sure you are using an application that supports the file type and is compatible with the file version.
- Some files need additional libraries or plugins to function correctly. Install any required dependencies to access the file.
- Missing or outdated codecs can prevent multimedia files from opening. Update or install the necessary codecs to fix playback issues.
Summing up
When you don’t know how to open unknown file, these methods will help you. So next time you find a file that doesn’t immediately open, no need to be frustrated. Remember these tips and tricks to get it sorted out.
