since 2000
All about XNK Files
The XNK file type is primarily associated with Exchange.
What is an XNK file
XNK files mostly belong to Exchange by Microsoft. An XNK file is a shortcut which opens an email folder in Exchange email and calendaring software. Exchange generates an XNK file when a user drags one or more folders from Exchange onto the desktop of a Windows environment.
How to open XNK files
You need a suitable software like Exchange to open an XNK file. You need a suitable software like Exchange from Microsoft to open an XNK 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 XNK file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a XNK file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online XNK Text Viewer
or drag and drop it here
Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy
Please allow ads on our site
This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com
.XNK File Won't Open? Here is What You Can Do
Because .XNK files can originate from different programs, they aren't universally openable with standard software.
- Identify the Source: You may receive this file from a colleague sharing a mailbox link or an IT administrator configuring email, suggesting a Microsoft Exchange folder shortcut.
- Check the Header: Open the file in a text editor or hex viewer to inspect its first bytes.
- Readable text or file paths often indicate a standard shortcut.
- Unreadable binary data suggests a proprietary Microsoft format.
- Use the Original Software: The original program is usually required to open it properly. Try using Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange Server, or ask the sender if uncertain.
- Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your .XNK file into our viewer above to detect its format, extract readable metadata, and preview its contents.
Technical Data for XNK File Extension
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: xnkfile, FileType: Exchange Shortcut, AppName: Microsoft Office Outlook
ProgramID: xnkfile, FileType: Exchange Shortcut, AppName: Microsoft Outlook
EXEFile: OUTLOOK.EXE
EXEFile: OUTLOOK.EXE
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office 2003\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office 2003\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE /x
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE /x
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office_XP\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office_XP\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Outlook\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Outlook\OFFICE11\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\OfficeXP\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\OfficeXP\Office10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
ProgramID: xnkfile
EXEFile: W:\OfficeXP\FILES\PFILES\MSOFFICE\OFFICE10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
EXEFile: W:\OfficeXP\FILES\PFILES\MSOFFICE\OFFICE10\OUTLOOK.EXE /x %1
an xnk shortcut is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with XNK files
- Associate the XNK file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open shortcuts. Because only the current version supports the latest XNK file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available Exchange update.
- To make sure that your XNK file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .XNK file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.