You're on your computer, going about your usual tasks, or maybe just exploring your files, when you stumble upon a mystery file with no recognizable name or format. It doesn’t have a familiar extension like .docx, .mp3, or .jpg, and when you try to open it, nothing happens. Now you're left wondering: Is this something important? Should you delete it? And most importantly, how do you even open it?
Unknown files can appear for many reasons. They might be leftovers from a software installation, temporary files created by your system, or even an attachment from an email that didn’t download properly. Sometimes, they could also be hidden files that a program needs to function, so deleting them without knowing what they are might cause issues.
In this article, I'll walk you through three simple ways to identify and how to open unknown file, so you can figure out what it is, whether it's safe to keep, and how to deal with it properly.
What is an Unknown File Type?
An unknown file is any file on your computer that lacks a recognizable file extension or isn't associated with any installed program. File extensions like .pdf, .jpg, or .mp3 help your operating system determine which software should open them. But when a file appears without an extension or has an unfamiliar one, your system doesn’t know how to handle it, labeling it as "unknown."
Unknown files can show up for several reasons, including:
Corrupted or incomplete downloads: If a file didn't download properly from the internet, its extension might be missing or damaged.
Software leftovers: Some applications create temporary files while running, and if they don’t get deleted properly, they can remain on your system.
File format compatibility issues: A file created on a different operating system or an outdated program may not be recognized by your current software.
Hidden system files: Some essential files are intentionally hidden by your OS to prevent accidental deletion, but they can sometimes appear as unknown files.
3 Ways to Open an Unknown File
As you progress in your professional career, you’ll come across a variety of file formats, and you won’t always have the right application to open and view their contents. This happens to everyone, and when I faced this issue, I found the following methods very helpful:
Method 1: Windows Default "Open With" Option
This option is the most straightforward and is always available as a default feature. The first time I encountered a blank white icon with no indication of its file type, I used the "Open With" method. This essentially asks Windows for app suggestions to help open the file. Here’s how you can do this too:
Step 1: Go to the folder where the unknown file is stored on your system.
Step 2: Select the unknown file, then right-click to open the context menu.
Step 3: In the context menu, choose the "Open with" option. A fly-out menu will appear with a list of suggested apps from Windows. Click on any app to try opening the unknown file.
This usually helps resolve the issue. However, I’ve encountered instances where the suggested apps did open the unknown file, but the content appeared distorted or garbled. In such cases, you might want to explore other methods.
Method 2: Search in Microsoft Store
There will be times when you don’t have the right software to support an unknown file type. In such cases, the best approach is to search the Microsoft Store for an app that supports the file type.
Step 1: Go back to the folder containing the unknown file, select it, and right-click to open the context menu.
Step 2: In the context menu, choose the "Open with" option, then click on "Search in Microsoft Store" from the fly-out menu.
Step 3: The Microsoft Store will pop up, suggesting applications that support the file type. Click on any app to review it, and then click the "Download" icon to install it on your system.
This method saves time by eliminating the need to research compatible apps manually. When you open the Microsoft Store directly from the context menu, it automatically searches for apps compatible with the specific file type.
Method 3: Using an Online Converter
You can also use free online converters to convert your unknown file extension to one you’re familiar with and have the right apps to support. However, this method isn’t always recommended, as conversions can alter the file’s formatting, making the content unclear or even unusable. Nonetheless, it may work in certain situations:
Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to an online converter, such as Online Converter, which allows you to convert videos, audio files, images, or text documents into various common file formats.
Step 2: For this guide, I’ll use the online converter to convert the unknown file type to .DOC. Select ".DOC" from the dropdown menu in the "Document Converter" section.
Step 3: With the file format selected, click on the "Document Converter" button to open the tool for *.DOC conversion.
Step 4: Simply upload the unknown file by either clicking on the "Choose File" option or using the drag-and-drop method.
Step 5: Once the file is uploaded, click the "Start" button to begin the conversion.
Step 6: When the conversion is complete, click the "Download" button to download the *.DOC file.
While this method saves time and effort, it’s considered insecure because you’re required to upload an unknown file online, which might contain sensitive information.
Tips for Handling Unknown File Types
Dealing with unknown file types in a professional setting can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay cautious. An unknown file might contain valuable information related to your organization or could be embedded with malware designed to harm your computer. Here are a few tips to help you stay vigilant:
Do Your Research:
Always search for the file extension online to gather more information about the file type. This can help you identify if it’s potentially malicious. Some organizations also encrypt files, changing their file types in the process, such as *.ASC files.
I once encountered a *.WPS file extension, which was unfamiliar to me at the time. After some research, I discovered that *.WPS files are text documents created by Microsoft Works Word Processor, the predecessor to Microsoft Word, although they’re no longer supported by it.
To identify an unknown file extension on Windows, simply select the file and press "ALT + ENTER" to open its properties and view more details.
Be Cautious with Online Converters:
While online converters seem like a quick solution to view file contents, they can store your confidential information, raising privacy concerns. Always be mindful of the data you upload.
Run a Virus Scan:
Ensure your system’s safety by running a virus scan. This helps detect if the file contains any malicious content that could potentially harm your computer.
Best Tool for Managing All Your Office Files – WPS Office
With countless file formats used in professional environments, finding a single tool that supports them all can be challenging. However, WPS Office has proven to be a reliable solution for handling a wide range of file types efficiently.
Supporting over 15 document formats, WPS Office eliminates the hassle of constantly searching for compatible software. Whether you're dealing with text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or PDFs, WPS Office ensures easy accessibility across all your files.
What sets WPS Office apart is its all-in-one functionality, available completely free. It consolidates multiple tools into one interface, allowing you to manage documents without juggling different applications. This not only saves storage space but also improves productivity by reducing the need to frequently switch between windows using shortcuts like "ALT + TAB".
WPS Office is designed with privacy and security in mind. Its advanced privacy features ensure that your work stays secure, accessible only to authorized users. With robust encryption protocols, secure document sharing options, and data protection measures, you can confidently handle sensitive information without compromising your privacy.
One of the standout features of WPS Office is its compatibility. It works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for professionals using different operating systems. Additionally, WPS Office is fully compatible with mobile devices, supporting both Android and iOS platforms. This cross-platform compatibility allows you to access, edit, and manage your documents anytime, anywhere, ensuring flexibility in your workflow.
How to Download WPS Office
Here is how you can download and install WPS Office on your Windows PC:
Step 1: Open the WPS Office website and press the "Free Download" button, which is prominently displayed on the homepage.
Step 2: The download will start automatically. Once the file has been downloaded, locate it, – it is usually found at the top right corner of the browser – then double-click it to install WPS Office.
Step 3: After the installation is done, you can launch and use WPS Office.
FAQs
1. What precautions should I take before opening an unknown file?
Make sure your antivirus software is current and running. Look up the file extension to determine its source and the programs that support it. Avoid opening files from unfamiliar or untrusted sources, and run a virus scan to check for potential threats.
2. What should I do if I encounter a file with an unknown extension?
If you find a file with an unfamiliar extension, research it online to find out which program can open it. Resources like FileInfo.com can help you identify various file types. Also, verify that your antivirus software is updated to protect your system before opening the file.
Seamless File Management: Open Any Format with WPS Office
Managing all your file formats can be a real pain, especially when you don’t have the right tools to open them. It’s frustrating to come across a file you can’t access just because your software doesn’t support it. That’s where WPS Office makes things easier. As an all-in-one productivity suite, it supports over 15+ file formats, including Word documents, Excel sheets, PDFs, and even more niche formats, so you're far less likely to run into an "unknown file" issue. With WPS Office, you get the flexibility to open, edit, and save files seamlessly, making your workflow smoother without having to juggle multiple software tools.
