alias

.alias — System Alias File

Microsoft · 1990s

Developer
Microsoft
Category
System Files
MIME Type
application/x-ms-shortcut
First Released
1990s
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not applicable for .alias/.lnk files as they are not typically identified by a specific header signature but rather by file extension and internal structure.
At a Glance
.alias
System Alias File

.alias files are Windows shortcut files that act as pointers to other files, folders, or applications.

Reviewed on June 16, 2026
Compression
N/A
Transparency
No
Editability
Medium
Best for
Creating shortcuts

Key Features

  • Acts as a pointer to another file or location.
  • Saves disk space by not duplicating data.
  • Allows for easy access to frequently used items.
  • Contains target path, parameters, and icon information.

Best For

  • Creating shortcuts on the Windows desktop.
  • Organizing a large number of files and folders.
  • Providing quick access to applications without modifying their original location.

Less Ideal For

  • Storing actual data or content.
  • Cross-platform compatibility (primarily Windows).
  • Sharing directly with users of other operating systems without conversion.

Common Use Cases

  • Creating desktop shortcuts to applications.
  • Organizing frequently used folders in a central location.
  • Linking to network resources or specific documents.
  • Providing quick access to system tools or utilities.

How to Open It

  1. Double-click the .alias file in Windows File Explorer; it will open the target item.
  2. Right-click and select 'Properties' to view or edit the target path and other settings.
  3. On other operating systems, .alias files may not function correctly and often require specialized tools to interpret.

What is a .alias file?

An .alias file, often referred to as a shortcut file, is a special type of file used by Microsoft Windows to point to another file, folder, or application. Instead of storing the actual data, it contains information about the location and name of the target item. This allows users to create convenient links to frequently accessed resources without duplicating the original data, saving disk space. When you double-click an .alias file, Windows follows the instructions within it to open the original item.

Programs That Open .alias Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsFile ExplorerFreeOfficial

Common Problems with .alias Files

⚠️ Shortcut is broken or points to a missing file.
Right-click the .alias file, select 'Properties', and update the 'Target' path to the correct location of the file or folder.
⚠️ Cannot open .alias file on a non-Windows operating system.
You cannot directly open .alias files on macOS or Linux as they are Windows-specific. Use a virtual machine or a Windows PC to access the target file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create an .alias file on macOS or Linux?▼

No, .alias (or .lnk) files are a Windows-specific feature. Other operating systems have their own methods for creating shortcuts.

What happens if I delete an .alias file?▼

Deleting an .alias file only removes the shortcut; the original file, folder, or application it points to remains unaffected.

Is an .alias file a type of executable?▼

No, an .alias file itself is not executable. It's a configuration file that tells Windows how to find and launch another executable or resource.

Technical Details

Internally, .alias files (or .lnk files, as they are commonly known) are structured binary files. They store a Unicode string representing the path to the target item, along with optional parameters, a working directory, and an icon location. This structure enables the operating system to quickly locate and launch the intended resource.

Did You Know?

The .alias extension was less commonly used than .lnk for these shortcut files in Windows, though both refer to the same underlying functionality.
.alias files can store custom icons, allowing users to change the appearance of their shortcuts.

Security Information

While .alias files themselves are not malicious, they can be used to disguise harmful executables. Always be cautious when opening shortcuts from unknown or untrusted sources, and inspect the target path if you are unsure.