How to access unknown file extensions in Windows 10/8/7

By: Costea Lestoc

▪ May 19, 2017 ▪

2 minute read

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Users can identify, run and also access any file with unknown file extensions on Windows with the help of a few free pieces software. Below is a list of some of the better ones out there.

The best tools to access unknown file extensions

TrIDNet 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.

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.

You can download Smart File Advisor from FileFacts.

OpenWith

This program provides users 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.

You can download OpenWith from the tool’s official website.

FILExt

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

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This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Fix PC issues now in 3 easy steps:

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Click “Start Scan” to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
Click “Repair All” to fix all issues with Patended Technologies (requires upgrade).

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 tje 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.

You can download FILExt from the tool’s official page.

File extensions are used to help us find the aspecific type of file that we need to access — and there are lots of them. It can sometimes happen that our computer stumbles on a file extension which is unfamiliar to the system and as a result, the computer will not be able to open it. The tools above can be great in such situations as they will help the system identify unrecognized types of files and help work with them.

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For various PC problems, we recommend this tool.

This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Fix PC issues now in 3 easy steps:

Download this PC Repair Tool rated "Excellent" on TrustPilot.com.
Click “Start Scan” to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
Click “Repair All” to fix all issues with Patended Technologies (requires upgrade).