How to Retrieve .NRO Files Lost After System Malfunctions

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 .NRO file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Retrieve .NRO Files Lost After System Malfunctions
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .NRO file?

An NRO file is an executable file used by the Nintendo Switch video game console or Switch emulator, such as Yuzu or Ryujinx. It contains compiled code for an application or game. NRO files may also store assets for Homebrew Launcher, such as a 256x256 JPEG icon and metadata.

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

There are several common causes of ".NRO" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".NRO" files while organizing or cleaning up their files, leading to their loss.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or improper shutdowns, can cause ".NRO" files to become corrupt or inaccessible.
  3. Virus or malware infection: If a computer or storage device gets infected with a virus or malware, it can corrupt or delete ".NRO" files.
  4. Software or hardware failure: Problems with software or hardware components, such as a hard drive failure or software crash, can result in the loss or corruption of ".NRO" files.
  5. Improper file transfer or handling: If ".NRO" files are not transferred correctly, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete file transfers, they can become corrupted or unusable.
  6. Incompatible software or updates: Using incompatible software versions or applying updates that are not compatible with ".NRO" files can lead to their failure or loss.
  7. Human error: Accidental overwriting, formatting, or modification of ".NRO" files can cause their loss or failure.
  8. Power outages: Sudden power outages or fluctuations can interrupt file operations, leading to data loss or corruption, including ".NRO" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".NRO" files to minimize the risk of loss and to use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of file failure or loss.

How to recover lost ".NRO" 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 ".NRO" 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 ".NRO" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".NRO" 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 ".NRO" 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™ 5.0
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 ".NRO" 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 ".NRO" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo nintendo Switch Executable File image file file?

Programs that open ".NRO" files

Windows
yuzu yuzu
Ryujinx Ryujinx
Mac
yuzu yuzu
Ryujinx Ryujinx
Linux
yuzu yuzu
Ryujinx Ryujinx

Additional Information

  • File type: Nintendo Switch Executable File

  • File extension: .NRO

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:49 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .NRO 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 a .NRO file extension and what is its purpose?

    The .NRO file extension is associated with Nintendo Switch homebrew applications.

    Homebrew refers to software developed by independent developers, not officially authorized by the console manufacturer. The Nintendo Switch console allows users to run homebrew applications using custom firmware or exploits.

    An .NRO file is a compiled executable file format specific to the Nintendo Switch. It contains the code and resources necessary to run a homebrew application on the console. These files can be loaded and executed through various means, such as custom firmware or homebrew loaders.

    The purpose of .NRO files is to provide a way for developers to create and distribute their own applications for the Nintendo Switch, expanding the functionality and capabilities of the console beyond what is officially supported by Nintendo.

  • How can I open a .NRO file on my computer or device?

    To open a .NRO file on your computer or device, you will need to have a Nintendo Switch console or an emulator that supports Nintendo Switch games. The .NRO file format is specific to Nintendo Switch homebrew applications.

    If you have a Nintendo Switch console, you can follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that your Nintendo Switch is running a custom firmware or has homebrew capabilities.
    2. Connect your Nintendo Switch to your computer using a USB cable.
    3. Download the .NRO file you want to open and transfer it to the "switch" folder on your Nintendo Switch's SD card.
    4. Safely disconnect your Nintendo Switch from your computer.
    5. On your Nintendo Switch, navigate to the Homebrew Launcher or another homebrew application launcher.
    6. Locate and select the .NRO file from the list of available homebrew applications.
    7. The .NRO file should now open and run on your Nintendo Switch.

    If you don't have a Nintendo Switch console, but still want to open and run .NRO files, you can use a Nintendo Switch emulator. However, please note that using emulators may be against the terms of service of certain games and software, so proceed with caution and ensure that you have the necessary legal rights to use the .NRO files.

    To open .NRO files on a Nintendo Switch emulator, follow these steps:

    1. Download and install a Nintendo Switch emulator on your computer. Some popular options include Yuzu and Ryujinx.
    2. Launch the emulator and set it up according to the provided instructions.
    3. Obtain the .NRO file you want to open.
    4. In the emulator, navigate to the option to load or open a game or homebrew application.
    5. Select the .NRO file from your computer's file explorer.
    6. The emulator should now load and run the .NRO file, allowing you to use the homebrew application or play the game.

    Remember to always use legal and authorized copies of games and software when using emulators, and respect the intellectual property rights of developers and publishers.

  • Are there any specific software or applications required to access and view the contents of a .NRO file?

    Yes, a .NRO (Nintendo Switch executable) file is specific to the Nintendo Switch console. To access and view the contents of a .NRO file, you would need the following:

    1. Nintendo Switch Console: The .NRO file format is designed to be executed on the Nintendo Switch gaming console.
    2. Custom Firmware (CFW): To run unofficial .NRO files on the Nintendo Switch, you would need to install custom firmware like Atmosphere, SX OS, or ReiNX. This allows you to bypass Nintendo's official software restrictions.
    3. Homebrew Launcher: Once you have custom firmware installed, you can use a homebrew launcher to access and run .NRO files. The most popular homebrew launcher for the Nintendo Switch is called "Hekate."

    Please note that modifying your Nintendo Switch console and using unofficial software may void your warranty and violate Nintendo's terms of service.
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