What does a .lnk file do?

It is a Windows shortcut that opens a target program, file or folder when double-clicked.

Why is my .lnk shortcut broken?

Its target was moved, renamed or deleted. Right-click → Properties to see and fix the Target path.

Are .lnk files dangerous?

They can be — a shortcut can launch commands. Never open a .lnk from an untrusted email or download without checking its target.

What Is a .LNK File?

You have a .lnk file, maybe showing plain text or a broken icon. It is a Windows shortcut. Here is what it points to and how to fix or check it.

What a .lnk file is

A .lnk file is a Windows shortcut — a small pointer to a program, file or folder somewhere else. Double-clicking it opens the target, not the shortcut itself.

Why it looks broken

If a shortcut shows a white/broken icon or errors on open, its target has moved, been renamed, or was deleted. Right-click → Properties to see the Target path and fix it.

Why it can show as raw text

On non-Windows systems (or in an email or ZIP) a .lnk has no meaning and may appear as a tiny binary file. It only works on Windows.

Security note

.lnk files can run commands, so a shortcut from an untrusted email or download can be dangerous. Check Properties → Target before opening one you did not create.