LNK
Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format
| Stands for | Windows shortcut (Shell Link) file |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
LNK stands for Windows shortcut (Shell Link) file, a file format abbreviation.
Small file that points to another file, folder or program, shown on Windows desktops and Start menus as an icon with a small arrow. Windows hides the .lnk extension even when other extensions are shown.
Example: Deleting the LNK on the desktop removes only the shortcut, not the program itself.
Usage notes
Shell link files store the target path, working folder, icon and launch options. Their automatic icon loading made them an attack vector: the Stuxnet worm in 2010 used a flaw in LNK handling to infect PCs from USB drives without any click. Attackers still send malicious LNK files in ZIP attachments.
Related abbreviations
More file format abbreviations
- IPA – iOS App Store Package
- ISO – ISO disc image
- JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
- JPG – JPEG image file
- JXL – JPEG XL
- KML – Keyhole Markup Language
- M3U – MP3 URL playlist
- M4A – MPEG-4 Audio file
- M4V – MPEG-4 Video file (Apple)
- MD – Markdown
- MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
- MKV – Matroska Video