- An LNK file is a shortcut to Windows that links to another file or program.
- Shortcuts can be found in the "Recent" folder within the user.
- On macOS, LNK files are useless and can only be viewed as text.
- For security reasons, it is recommended not to open LNK files from suspicious sources.
Windows uses various types of files to organize and facilitate access to information, and among these are files with the extension .lnk. These files are more common than many imagine and serve a crucial function within the operating system. If you have ever encountered a file .lnk And you didn't know what it was or how it worked, in this article we explain in detail its purpose, how they are generated and what information they contain.
In addition, we'll look at how to open them, why they can be useful, and what to do if you need to manage them on a different operating system, such as macOS. We'll also cover file security issues. .lnk, as they can sometimes be used for malicious purposes.
What is an LNK file?
A file with the extension .lnk is a shortcut file Used in Windows to refer to another file, folder, or program within the system. Its main function is to facilitate quick access to a destination without having to navigate to its original location.
The files .lnk They contain information about the file or program they link to, such as:
- Path to the original file.
- File properties, such as metadata and MAC timestamps.
- Information about the volume where it is stored.
- Specific execution parameters, if it is a program.
Where are LNK files stored?
Depending on the version of Windows you are using, the files .lnk automatically created when you access a program or file can be found in these paths:
- Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11: C:\Users\ \AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent
- Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\ \Recent
Although shortcuts can be deleted manually, file records .lnk They can remain stored on the system, even if the original file has been deleted.
Characteristics of LNK files
The files .lnk They have several characteristics that distinguish them from other types of files:
- They usually show a arrow in the lower left corner of the icon, indicating that the file is a shortcut.
- They do not show the extension .lnk visibly in the file name, although it is still present in its structure.
- Shortcuts can be generated manually by dragging a file to another location and selecting the option "Create Shortcut".
- If the original file is deleted or moved, the shortcut may become unusable (although Windows will sometimes attempt to redirect it correctly).
How to open a LNK file?
In Windows, just double-click on a file .lnk to open the program or document it links to. However, if you try to open a file .lnk On another operating system, for example macOS, this will not work properly.
On macOS, you can open a file .lnk using a text editor such as TextEdit or advanced tools like vim o nano at the Bus Terminal. This will display its contents in code form, including the original file path.
Particularities in Windows 10 and 11
In newer versions of Windows, files .lnk have experienced some changes in their behavior:
- Previously, shortcuts were only generated when a file was opened. Now, Windows 10 and 11 automatically create shortcuts when a file is opened. create a new file.
- If a new folder is created in a directory, Windows also creates shortcuts for the parent and grandparent folders.
- Since Windows 10, the extension .lnk has become more visible in certain cases, which was not the case before.
How to distinguish an LNK file?
The files .lnk They can be easily identified by their appearance in Windows:
- present a arrow on its icon indicating that they are shortcuts.
- Its name is usually the same as the original file, but with a hidden extension.
What to do if you receive an LNK file on macOS?
If a Windows user sends you a file .lnk If you're using macOS, you probably won't be able to open it in a useful way. In this case, it's best to ask for the original file or folder to be sent to you directly instead of the shortcut.
Security and risks of LNK files
Although the files .lnk While harmless in everyday use, they can be used for malicious purposes. Some cybercriminals have exploited vulnerabilities in the shortcut system to remotely execute malicious code. It is important to:
- Avoid opening files .lnk from unknown sources.
- Check its properties (right click > Properties) to verify its destination.
- Update Windows with the latest security updates.
The files .lnk In Windows, they are essential for improving accessibility and organization within the operating system. They are shortcut files that allow you to open programs or documents without having to go to their original location, but they can also retain useful information even if the file they pointed to has been deleted or moved. While their function is very practical in Windows, on other systems like macOS they become useless and can only be parsed as text. It's also important to be cautious with files .lnk unknown, as they can be used for malicious purposes.
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