EXEC File Extension

What is EXEC file?

Executable files for Unix an Unix-like systems can be saved with .EXEC extension. Such file is of the type Unix Executable Format and can be used to run compiled program code. EXEC is a binary file. EXEC Unix format has its counterpart in the form of EXE files on Windows systems. As a rule on Unix systems executable files are saved without any extensions, including EXEC files. This extensions is used to mark executable files in such applications and file managers in Mac OS, Linux, or FreeBSD systems. The ability to execute EXEC files is determined by the file header.

What is an EXEC file?

EXEC file can hold virtually any program executable on given operating system. EXEC files can be run from the command line (shell). On Mac OS, EXEC Unix executable files can in fact be different types of files saved without information about their type (so called resource forks) or without any extension and with executable bit set to true (the "x" attribute).

Programs which support EXEC file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support EXEC files. EXEC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 04/19/2023

How to open file with EXEC extension?

Being unable to open files with EXEC extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with EXEC extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with EXEC files.

Step 1. Install macOS software

Problems with opening and working with EXEC files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with EXEC files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install macOS or one to the listed programs: Mac OS X, Linux operating systems, Unix. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading macOS installed is by going to developer’s website (Apple, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of macOS

You still cannot access EXEC files although macOS is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why EXEC files are not compatible with macOS. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using macOS.

Step 3. Set the default application to open EXEC files to macOS

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate EXEC files with latest version of macOS you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the EXEC file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where macOS is installed, check the Always use this app to open EXEC files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with EXEC extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select macOS and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EXEC extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the EXEC for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the EXEC file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The EXEC may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the EXEC is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the EXEC file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with EXEC extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic EXEC file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the EXEC file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Unix Executable Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle macOS

If the systems has insufficient resources to open EXEC files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Unix Executable Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with EXEC files affecting older versions of given software.

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