The quickest way to find a program’s EXE file in Windows 10 is to type the program’s name in the Start menu search, right-click the result, and choose Open file location. If that opens a folder with a shortcut, right-click the shortcut and choose Open file location again to reach the actual .exe file. For a running program, open Task Manager, right-click it, and choose Open file location. To find every EXE file in a folder or drive, search for *.exe in File Explorer.
Below are all the methods, where programs are usually installed, and how to stay safe with EXE files.
What is an EXE file?
An EXE (executable) file is a program file that runs when you open it. Installed apps have a main EXE that starts the program, and installers you download are usually EXE files too. Knowing where an app’s EXE lives is useful for creating shortcuts, adding programs to firewall rules, running them as administrator, or troubleshooting.
Method 1: From the Start menu
- Click Start (or press the Windows key) and type the program’s name.
- Right-click the program in the results and choose Open file location.
- If File Explorer shows a shortcut (it has a small arrow on its icon), right-click it and choose Open file location again.
The EXE file is now selected in File Explorer.
Method 2: From a desktop shortcut
- Right-click the shortcut and choose Properties.
- On the Shortcut tab, look at the Target field, which shows the full path to the EXE.
- Click Open File Location to go straight to it.
Method 3: From Task Manager
- Start the program, then press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Click More details if needed.
- On the Processes tab, expand the app if necessary, right-click it, and choose Open file location.
This is the best method for background programs that don’t have a shortcut.
Method 4: Search for EXE files in File Explorer
- Open File Explorer and go to the folder or drive you want to search, such as This PC or
C:\Program Files. - Click in the search box at the top right and type
*.exe. - Press Enter and wait for the results.
Searching an entire drive can take a while and return thousands of files. Narrow it down by adding part of the name, such as chrome*.exe, or by searching a specific folder.
Method 5: Use Command Prompt
For programs on your PATH, open Command Prompt and run where notepad, replacing “notepad” with the program name. Windows prints the full path to the EXE.
Where programs are usually installed
| Location | What’s there |
|---|---|
C:\Program Files |
Most 64-bit programs |
C:\Program Files (x86) |
32-bit programs |
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local |
Apps installed just for your account, such as some browsers and chat apps |
C:\Windows\System32 |
Built-in Windows tools like Notepad and Command Prompt |
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps |
Microsoft Store apps (protected folder) |
| Downloads folder | Installers and portable programs you downloaded |
The AppData folder is hidden by default. Type %LocalAppData% in File Explorer’s address bar to open it.
Microsoft Store apps
Store apps live in a protected folder and usually don’t offer Open file location. To create a shortcut, press Windows + R, type shell:AppsFolder, and drag the app to your desktop.
Stay safe with EXE files
- Only run EXE files from sources you trust, such as the developer’s official website.
- Right-click a downloaded EXE and choose Scan with Microsoft Defender before opening it.
- Be wary of EXE files sent by email or chat, even from people you know.
- Watch for files with double extensions like
invoice.pdf.exe. Turn on View > File name extensions in File Explorer to see real file types.
Related: How to find installed programs in Windows 11.
Related: How to check installed apps in Windows 10.
What to do once you find the EXE file
After you track down the file, there are a few useful things you can do with it right from File Explorer:
- Run as administrator: Right-click the EXE and choose Run as administrator when a program needs elevated permissions, such as an installer or a system utility.
- Pin it: Right-click the EXE and choose Pin to Start, or Pin to taskbar, so you can launch it quickly next time.
- Create a desktop shortcut: Right-click the EXE, choose Send to, then Desktop (create shortcut). Leave the original file where it is, because moving it can break the program.
- Check the version: Right-click the EXE, choose Properties, and open the Details tab to see the file version and product name.
- Add an exception: Some games and apps ask you to allow the EXE through Windows Defender Firewall. Having the exact path makes that much easier.
Avoid renaming, moving, or deleting EXE files inside Program Files. If you want to remove a program, uninstall it from Settings > Apps instead.
Related: Search for files in Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see the .exe extension on my files?
File Explorer hides known file extensions by default. Open File Explorer, click the View tab, and check File name extensions to show “.exe” at the end of program file names.
Why don’t I see “Open file location”?
The app may be a Microsoft Store app or a system component. Use the shell:AppsFolder method instead.
Can I move an EXE file to another folder?
Moving an installed program’s EXE usually breaks it. Create a shortcut instead.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.