Opening SNK Files

The SNK file type is primarily associated with sn.exe.

SNK	File extension: SNK
	File type:	cryptographic key file

What is an SNK file?

SNK files mostly belong to sn.exe. An SNK file is a cryptographic key file used in the development of .NET assemblies. It holds a pair of keys that are used for strong naming, a process that confirms the identity and integrity of an assembly.

Developers create these files using the sn.exe tool, available through Microsoft’s documentation and integrated with Visual Studio.

The file contains a pair of keys (public and private) that are used to digitally sign an assembly so that its origin can be verified.

This digital signature produces a unique PublicKeyToken, which helps the system verify that the assembly has not been altered.

FilExt.com note: Rare cases may include SNK files with encrypted data, but most are dedicated solely to signing assemblies. Remember to keep your SNK file secure to protect your private key.

How can I open an SNK file?

You need a suitable software like sn.exe to open an SNK file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your SNK file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SNK file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SNK Text Viewer

Choose your .snk file to analyze

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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Programs that open and convert SNK files:

sn.exe
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SNK files are often referred to as sn.exe developers because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Strong Name Key File by Microsoft Corporation
(part of the .NET architecture)

SNK file extension format:

The file format determines how the data is stored in the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our evaluation of the SNK files looks like this:

The file type with the extension 'SNK' predominantly uses a uniform format. The following file formats are most commonly found in SNK files:

75% of all SNK files belong to Strong Name Key. These files are binary files, so they do not contain text, but only cryptic characters. The files are on average 590 bytes in size and range from 590 bytes to 1 KB. The file type is old but is used even today. The files contain the following words: RSA2. A usual file name is Key.snk. These files can be linked to pair, sample, mykey, server and strong.
15% of all SNK files use the same file format, which have the signature 0B 02 00 00 03 66 00 00 03 66. They consist of unreadable binary data. The average file size is 52 bytes with most files being between 52 bytes and 60 bytes in size. An example of a file name is KEY.snk. Files like these have the following tags: encryption, backup and ssrs.

All other SNK files (10%) have no consistent format, often e.g. RSA. Files like these are sometimes linked to public, msshared or report. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your SNK file!

Technical Data for SNK File Extension

File classification:

Developer

Related files:

pfx, cer, csr, pem, der, snkx, dll, bk, jpg, zip, bpmn, saz, npy, pdf, tgs, txt, bin

Mime type:

application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: snk, FileType: Strong Name Key File

ProgramID: strongnamefile, FileType: Strong name key

an snk cryptographic key file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SNK files

Associate the SNK file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open cryptographic key files. Because only the current version supports the latest SNK file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available sn.exe update.
To make sure that your SNK file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .SNK file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.