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.lnk

Windows Shortcut

Cloud & Shortcuts

LNK is a Windows shortcut, not a copy of its target. It can contain target paths and arguments. Double-clicking may launch an application/action rather than merely inspect content; do not run unknown shortcuts.

What it is used for
Shortcuts to files/applications and other targets
What the file contains
Binary data
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Inspect the target

Do not rely on the icon.

  1. Inspect properties without launching.
  2. Inspect target, arguments and working directory.
  3. Distinguish a file reference from program execution.
Repair a broken reference

Use a trusted shortcut you manage.

  1. Check whether the target moved or was deleted.
  2. Locate the correct original.
  3. Create a new shortcut and verify its target.
Deliver the actual file

The shortcut alone does not deliver the data.

  1. Locate the original to be shared.
  2. Copy it with required companions.
  3. Verify the actual files in the recipient’s environment.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Target missing: check moves/deletions, drive letters and network access.
  • Fails on another PC: verify the actual target/application is present there.
  • Unexpected command: do not launch; establish origin rather than disabling protections.
  • Different behavior: inspect target arguments.
  • Relative resource missing: inspect working directory.
  • Wrong same-name target: compare actual path and original.

Transfer the actual file rather than the LNK

  1. Identify the actual target of a trusted shortcut and whether it may be shared.
  2. Share an actual copy or supported sharing link and verify format/access for the recipient.
  3. Deliver actual data and verify it does not depend on the source PC’s path.

Renaming cannot turn a shortcut into its target; the LNK alone cannot restore missing original data.

Identify targets with arguments

Inspect executable targets and arguments separately from the displayed icon/name.

Example: a personal local path may not exist on the recipient’s PC; deliver actual data.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · Shell Link (.LNK) Binary File Format

Include data when sharing

Deliver accessible data or a valid shared location and document permissions.

Source for these steps：Microsoft · Shell Link (.LNK) Binary File Format

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodRoleWhat to verify
LNKWindows linkTarget/arguments
Original fileActual dataCompanions
URLNetwork referenceURL/access

Handling and security

Do not trust names/icons alone; unknown shortcuts can contain commands/external targets and should not be tested by double-clicking.

Questions and answers

Does sending LNK send the target file?

No; the original is separate.

Is a PDF icon proof of safety?

No; inspect the target/arguments, not the appearance.

Can it restore a deleted photo?

Locate the actual source or a backup.

Does deleting LNK delete the original?

Normally it removes the reference; verify the selected item is a shortcut.

Will it always find a moved target?

Tracking is not guaranteed; compare properties with the actual original.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
Windows Shell Link
Steward / specification
Microsoft
MIME type
Depends on the producer or server; an extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources