Recover .LNK Files from Failed Drives on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .LNK file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recover .LNK Files from Failed Drives on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .LNK file?

An LNK file is a shortcut or "link" used by Windows as a reference to an original file, similar to an alias on the Macintosh platform. It contains the shortcut target type, location, and filename as well as the program that opens the target file and an optional shortcut key. The file can be created in Windows by right-clicking a file and then selecting "Create Shortcut."

What Are Common Causes of ".LNK" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes of ".LNK" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".LNK" files while trying to clean up their system or remove unnecessary shortcuts.
  2. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software or viruses can corrupt or delete ".LNK" files as part of their destructive activities.
  3. Disk errors: Hard drive errors, bad sectors, or file system corruption can lead to the loss or failure of ".LNK" files.
  4. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software programs or incompatible software versions can cause ".LNK" files to become inaccessible or fail.
  5. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as system crashes or improper shutdowns, can result in the loss or corruption of ".LNK" files.
  6. Hardware failure: Issues with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or physical damage, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".LNK" files.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally move or rename ".LNK" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  8. Software updates or installations: Sometimes, updating or installing new software can interfere with existing ".LNK" files, leading to their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly backup important files, including ".LNK" files, to prevent data loss in case of any of these common causes.

How to recover lost ".LNK" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".LNK" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".LNK" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".LNK" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".LNK" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".LNK" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".LNK" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows File Shortcut image file file?

Programs that open ".LNK" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
Flint LinkInfo Flint LinkInfo
TZWorks lp TZWorks lp
lnkedit lnkedit
HxD HxD
Mac
Parallels Desktop for Mac with Windows installed Parallels Desktop for Mac with Windows installed
CodeWeavers CrossOver CodeWeavers CrossOver
TZWorks lp TZWorks lp
Linux
CodeWeavers CrossOver CodeWeavers CrossOver
TZWorks lp TZWorks lp

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows File Shortcut

  • File extension: .LNK

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 4C 00 00 00 01 14 02 00 00 00 00 00 C0 00 00 00

  • ASCII: L...........А

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:44 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .LNK files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of a ".LNK backup" file?

    The purpose of a ".LNK backup" file is to serve as a backup or a copy of a shortcut file (.LNK) in Windows operating systems. Shortcut files are small files that point to other files or folders on the computer. They are commonly used to provide quick access to programs, documents, or frequently visited locations.

    Creating a backup of a shortcut file (.LNK) can be useful in case the original file gets deleted, moved, or corrupted. The backup file can be used to restore the shortcut and maintain the same functionality and convenience it provided before.

    Overall, the ".LNK backup" file ensures that important shortcuts are preserved and can be easily restored if needed.

  • How can I create a ".LNK backup" file for my desktop shortcuts?

    To create a ".LNK backup" file for your desktop shortcuts, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows Key + E.
    2. Navigate to the following location: %USERPROFILE%Desktop
    3. Select all the shortcut files (.lnk) that you want to backup. You can use Ctrl + A to select all files or hold Ctrl and click on individual files to select multiple ones.
    4. Right-click on the selected files and choose "Copy" from the context menu.
    5. Navigate to the location where you want to store the backup file, such as a backup folder on your desktop or an external storage device.
    6. Right-click in the destination folder and choose "Paste" from the context menu. This will paste the copied shortcut files into the backup location.
    7. You now have a backup of your desktop shortcuts in the form of ".LNK" files.

    Remember to periodically update this backup file to include any new or modified shortcuts on your desktop.

  • Is it possible to restore a ".LNK backup" file if my desktop shortcuts get accidentally deleted or corrupted?

    Yes, it is possible to restore a ".LNK backup" file if your desktop shortcuts get accidentally deleted or corrupted. Here's how you can do it:

    1. Locate the ".LNK backup" file: The backup file should have a ".LNK" extension and may have a different name than the original shortcut. You can try searching for it in the same folder where the original shortcut was located or in a backup folder if you have one.
    2. Copy the backup file: Once you find the ".LNK backup" file, make a copy of it and place it on your desktop or in the desired location.
    3. Rename the backup file: Right-click on the backup file and select "Rename." Change the file extension from ".LNK backup" to ".LNK". For example, if the backup file is named "ShortcutBackup.LNK backup," rename it to "ShortcutBackup.LNK".
    4. Restore the shortcut: Double-click on the renamed backup file. It should restore the shortcut and place it back on your desktop or in the original location.

    If the above steps don't work or you don't have a ".LNK backup" file, you can try other methods such as recreating the shortcut manually, restoring from a system restore point (if available), or using third-party data recovery software to recover the deleted or corrupted shortcut files.
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