We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Software

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Do EXE Files Harm my Computer?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 21,777
Share

Files with a .exe extension, known as EXE files, can be harmful for a computer, but they are not always harmful. In fact, EXE files can be immensely helpful. There are a number of techniques which people can use to protect themselves from harmful EXE files, ensuring that they only open files which are safe.

If a file has a .exe extension, it means that when someone clicks on it, the file automatically executes code. A classic use of an .exe file is in compressed software available for download. Someone downloads the EXE file, clicks on it, and the file automatically runs an install program which extracts the contents of the file and allows the user to establish some settings. The file may contain anything from a word processing program to a game.

Many software developers release their products online in the form of EXE files which people can download. This is designed for convenience, so that people can immediately get software installed, rather than having to order it and wait for installation discs. Unfortunately, this practice has accustomed computer users to being able to download EXE files, and as a result, people are sometimes less careful about them than they should be.

Malicious EXE files can execute a variety of operations which can be harmful to a computer. The file might install a virus when opened or direct the computer to perform an operation such as randomly deleting files. Because the EXE file starts automatically when it is opened, the computer user does not have an opportunity to step in and stop the file if it becomes apparent that it is doing something harmful.

The first tip for avoiding harmful EXE files is to only download and open EXE files from reputable sources. For example, if someone wants a common Windows utility, they should go to the official Windows web site to download it, not to an unknown third party site. For downloads of various programs, it is a good idea to go to the official program site or to use a service like CNet, which vets all of the files on its site to check for harmful materials. Even accepting EXE files from friends is not advisable, as someone may not be aware that a file has a virus.

People can also get information about an EXE file without having to open it, by selecting it and going to the “properties” tab in the menu. The properties should include a description of the file and the author; if the description and author seem strange, the file may not be safe to open. Finally, antivirus software can be used to scan EXE files before opening them to confirm that they do not contain viruses. Users can also set their operating systems to prompt them when opening an EXE file, asking if they want to continue; this also helps people avoid accidentally opening an EXE file.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon311554 — On Jan 02, 2013

I use common sense when I open exe files. I do most of what this article says (though there are a few tips here that I didn't think of) and I also have an antivirus (Unthreat Antivirus) which makes me feel even safer.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/do-exe-files-harm-my-computer.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.