How to Fix .LNK Extensions in Windows: 6 Easy Methods

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If all of your files suddenly have the .lnk extension, you can't open apps by clicking their shortcuts, or you're seeing non-stop errors about .lnk files, the issue might stem from a malware infection or Windows Update gone awry. LNK is the file extension used for Windows shortcuts—the icons and menu items you click to open files, folders, and documents. [1] Broken LNK files may cause headaches, but fortunately, there's usually an easy fix! This wikiHow article will teach you 6 easy ways to fix problems with LNK files on your Windows PC.

Things You Should Know

  • If your icons and shortcuts have changed to LNK files, it may be due to corrupt system files.
  • If your LNK errors are due to a virus or malware infection, you can usually fix the issue by running an anti-malware scan in Safe Mode.
  • There are several freeware tools available that can easily fix broken LNK files.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Scanning for Malware

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  1. In many cases, a .lnk file extension problem can be caused by a virus or malware. To properly scan and remove threats from your PC, you'll want to boot up into Safe Mode with Networking . If you know for sure you don't have a malware infection, you can skip this method.
    • If you can access your Windows Settings, you can boot into Safe mode by clicking the Start menu and going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart Now . When your PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart . When prompted after reboot, press 5 or F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking. [2]
    • If you can't access Settings, reboot your PC to the sign-in screen. Once you're prompted to log in, hold down Shift as you click Power > Restart . When the PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart . When prompted after reboot, press 5 or F5 to start Safe Mode with Networking.
  2. Download Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com . Once you're in Safe Mode, you should be able to open any web browser (such as Edge or Chrome). Malwarebytes has a free malware scanning and removal app that can easily identify these viruses and remove them from Windows. Click Start Free Download to download the installer to your PC.
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  3. Double-click the MBSetup file you downloaded (it will be in your Downloads folder), then follow the on-screen instructions to install Malwarebytes on your PC. If prompted to install BrowserGuard, choose Skip this for Now .
    • Click Done when you're finished installing. Malwarebytes will then launch automatically.
  4. You'll see this below "Scanner" on the welcome screen. Malwarebytes will now check for updates and then scan Windows for viruses and malware. This process can a few minutes or longer, depending on the size of your hard drive and whether updates need to be installed.
  5. Once the scan is finished, a pop-up will appear at the bottom-right corner of your screen. You'll see the View Scan Results button on this pop-up.
  6. If any threats were detected, Malwarebytes will help you quarantine them. Check all the boxes to select detected threats, then click Quarantine to remove them.
  7. Once the scan is done and the threats are quarantined, reboot your PC normally. If your PC was infected with malware or a virus and Malwarebytes was able to fix the problem, this may have solved the issue.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Running a Registry Fix

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  1. Usually, .lnk extensions fail to work properly due to a failed Windows Update, missing files or files corrupted by malware. You can download and run .lnk file association fixer to solve this problem. You can download the file for all versions of Windows from https://www.thewindowsclub.com/downloads/lnk-fix-twc.zip .
  2. To unzip , right-click the downloaded file, select Extract All , choose a location (such as your desktop), and then click Extract . The new folder will open instantly.
  3. If you're using Windows 11, you'll need to select Show more options first. You'll be asked if you want to continue.
  4. This applies the registry fix. Once the process is complete, you can restart your PC. This should resolve most .LNK link error problems.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Restoring to an Earlier Date

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  1. You may be able to resolve the .LNK errors with a quick System Restore. To open the Control Panel without encountering .LNK errors, follow these steps: [3]
    • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type Control Panel .
    • Click OK .
  2. If you see it in the window, click Recovery . If not, type recovery into the search bar at the top of the window and click Recovery when it appears. [4]
  3. It's the second option. [5]
  4. This displays a list of restore points.
    • If you see an error that says you don't have System Restore configured, you won't be able to use this method. But don't worry—you can continue with any of the other methods.
  5. Choose a restore point from a date on which your computer was working well.
    • If you click Scan for affected programs with a restore point selected, you'll see which programs you've installed since Windows created that restore point. All of these programs will be removed from your PC if you complete the restore, but your personal files and other programs will be safe.
    • If you don't see a good candidate, check the box next to "Show more restore points" at the bottom. [6]
  6. A summary will appear. [7]
  7. Once the process is complete, your computer will be restored to the selected date.
    • If this doesn't solve the .LNK problem, you can continue to another method.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using a Broken Shortcut Fixer

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  1. This freeware tool will scan for broken shortcuts (LNK) files and repair them automatically. To download the program, go to https://www.glarysoft.com/glary-utilities/ and click the green Download Now button.
  2. Click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
    • Click Finish after installing and the app will launch instantly.
  3. It's at the top of the window.
  4. The tool will now scan your computer for any broken .LNK shortcuts. All broken shortcuts will appear in the window.
  5. If not all of the boxes are checked by default, select them now.
  6. It's to the right of the "Fix Shortcut" button at the top of the tool.
  7. This repairs the links for all of the broken shortcuts.
    • If a shortcut cannot be fixed, you'll see the word "Error" to the right of its name. Also, a checkbox will remain next to the file to indicate that it's still selected, while the fixed files will no longer have shortcuts.
    • You can repair any of the "Error" shortcuts manually by re-associating those .lnk files with the apps or files they are supposed to point to. To do this, click one of the error files, then click Fix Shortcut . Choose the correct file, folder, or app, then click Open to select it.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Running System File Checker

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  1. You can use your PC's System File Checker (SFC) to repair problems with corrupted system files. Fixing these system files will often resolve .LNK errors. To avoid potential .LNK errors when opening Command Prompt, follow these steps to open it:
    • Press Windows key + R .
    • Type cmd but don't press Enter.
    • Press Control + Shift + Enter at the same time.
    • Click Yes to open the command prompt.
  2. This scans your entire PC for corrupt system files. The process can take several minutes or more, depending on the size of your hard drive. [8]
  3. If the System
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Manually Fixing the Registry (Windows 7 Only)

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  1. To do so without any .LNK errors, follow these steps: [9]
    • Press Windows key + R .
    • Type regedit and press Enter .
    • Click Yes .
  2. Here's an easy way to do this:
    • Click the View menu and make sure "Address Bar" is selected. When this feature is on, you'll see an address bar at the top or bottom of the Registry Editor that says "Computer."
    • Type or paste this key into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk
    • If that doesn't work, you can navigate there manually—in the left panel, click HKEY_CURRENT_USER , click Software , click Microsoft , click Windows , click CurrentVersion , click Explorer , click FileExts , then click .lnk .
  3. If you see a key with this name beneath ".lnk" in the left panel, right-click it and select Delete . After that, reboot your PC—the problem should be resolved.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to fix this?
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Michael Thompson-Brown is a Cybersecurity Expert based in Portland, Maine. He is the owner and founder of PCRescue!, a company that provides cybersecurity and data management solutions to small businesses and individuals. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is a certified ethical hacker. He is passionate about helping clients protect their data and systems from malicious attacks and helping them optimize their online presence and reach. He received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Expert Answer
    If you have tried everything, a last resort method to resolve the .lnk file extension problem on Windows is through a clean Windows install. First, back up all data to prevent data loss. Then, create installation media by obtaining the Windows setup from the official Microsoft website. Boot your PC from the installation media, format the hard drive, and proceed to install a fresh or clean copy of Windows. Finally, restore backed-up data to complete the process.
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      Tips

      • If you still experience .lnk errors after trying these fixes, it's best to reset your computer. You'll have the opportunity to keep your personal files or start from scratch.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://fileinfo.com/extension/lnk
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-system-restore-a5ae3ed9-07c4-fd56-45ee-096777ecd14e
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-system-restore-a5ae3ed9-07c4-fd56-45ee-096777ecd14e
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-system-restore-a5ae3ed9-07c4-fd56-45ee-096777ecd14e
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-options-in-windows-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5#bkmk_win11_reset_pc&WindowsVersion=Windows_11
      7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-system-restore-a5ae3ed9-07c4-fd56-45ee-096777ecd14e
      8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-open-registry-editor-in-windows-10-deab38e6-91d6-e0aa-4b7c-8878d9e07b11

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