Open BAK File

BAK files are backup files that are often created by programs or the operating system itself. These back ups are usually copies of documents or simpler configuration files that are important for the systems functionality and stability. For example, Windows creates BAK files for the system.ini and win.ini configuration files.

Open BAK File on Windows OS

  • Look for an BAK file you need to open in Windows Explorer and double-click on it
  • If the file doesn’t open automatically and you see a “Windows can’t open a file” message then you should search for a program which can open BAK file
  • If you have a program which can open BAK file installed on your computer then launch that program and select “File” and then “Open” or similar options from its menu to open the BAK file
  • If you don’t have the program installed then you need to try searching for “BAK wiki”, “how to open BAK file” in the search engine.
  • Once you find the application, install it on your computer
  • After the program is installed double-click on the BAK file to open it

File extensions are used by Windows operating system to specify what kind of information is stored in the file. Every file in Windows OS needs to have file extension and file extensions are used by Windows to determine which application it should use to open the file. Every application installed on Windows OS places information about which extensions it could open into the Windows registry and Windows uses this information to determine which application it should launch when user double-clicks on the file. If application which can open BAK file is not installed, then Windows will show ‘Windows can’t open BAK file’ message and buttons to either select an application on the computer which can open the file or to search the web for the application which can open BAK file.