LNK File Extension
Windows Shell Link (Shortcut) File
Overview – What is LNK File Extension?
The LNK files are shortcut files that are associated with Windows and developed by Microsoft Corporation. LNK is an acronym for LINK.
LNK files (also known as shell links) are used as a reference to an original file. It contains basic properties such as; type of file, location, size as well as the program that opens the target file.
LNK file format is created by right-clicking on a file and then selecting "Create Shortcut". In Windows, a LNK file does not show the ".lnk" file extension; instead, it uses a curled arrow to indicate itself.
Technical Specifications
MIME Type
Application/x-ms-shortcut
Official media type for Windows shortcut links.
File Signature Details
4C 00 00 00
Hex: 0x4C (Standard Header for Shell Link files)
Location of LNK File Format
Windows XP Paths
- \Documents and Settings\UserName\Recent
- \Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data\Microsoft\Office\Recent
Windows Vista / 7 / 10 Paths
- \Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft \Windows\Recent
- \Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office\Recent
Applications Supported
How to Open and View LNK file
The LNK file can be opened using Microsoft Windows and its Versions.