An .exe file is a computer file that contains an encoded sequence of instructions that the system can execute directly when the user clicks the file. It is a Windows-specific executable file format, and most .exe files contain either Windows applications or application installers. Executable files contain binary machine code that has been compiled from source code, and this low-level code instructs a computers central processing unit on how to run a program. When a user or other event triggers an executable file, the computer runs the code that the file contains. The .exe file extension is common, but it is specific to executable files on Windows. Mac executable files have the APP extension.
It is important to note that .exe files can also be used to distribute viruses and other types of malicious software (or “malware”) that infect devices and steal information. Therefore, it is recommended not to download or open an .exe file unless you’re sure you know what it is and that it’s from a trusted source.
