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Trusted file extension guides and opening help from the original project since 2008.

How to open .ICO files on Linux

To open .ICO files on Linux, open the .ico file from your file manager with open with..

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open the .ICO file from your file manager with Open With.
  2. Choose an installed Linux app that supports this format.

Recommended software

  • Default Photos app
  • Browser preview
  • GIMP

Alternative methods

  • Open .ICO in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
  • Try opening .ICO on Linux with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
  • Convert .ICO only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.

Common issues

.ICO file does not open

This usually means the required app is missing or the .ICO file is incomplete.

  1. Install or update a compatible application.
  2. Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
  3. Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.

Security note

Only open .ICO files from trusted senders.

Back to .ICO extension page