How to open .BAK files on Windows
To open .BAK files on Windows, right-click the .bak file and choose open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Right-click the .BAK file and choose Open with.
- Select a trusted Windows app that supports .BAK files.
Recommended software
- VS Code
- Notepad++/TextEdit
- jq (CLI)
Alternative methods
- Open .BAK in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .BAK on Windows with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .BAK only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.BAK file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .BAK file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .BAK files from trusted senders.