Information about the Unsafe File List in Internet Explorer

Warning

The retired, out-of-support Internet Explorer 11 desktop application has been permanently disabled through a Microsoft Edge update on certain versions of Windows 10. For more information, see Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retirement FAQ.

Internet Explorer versions include an unsafe file. The purpose of the unsafe file list is to prevent you from accidentally opening a file type that could potentially cause problems on your computer.

Original product version:   Internet Explorer
Original KB number:   291369

More information

The Internet Explorer unsafe file list has been updated to be consistent with the Microsoft Office unsafe file list.

The complete unsafe file list in Internet Explorer is as follows:

  • .ade
  • .adp
  • .app
  • .asp
  • .bas
  • .bat
  • .cer
  • .chm
  • .cmd
  • .cnt
  • .com
  • .cpl
  • .crt
  • .csh
  • .der
  • .exe
  • .fxp
  • .gadget
  • .grp
  • .hlp
  • .hpj
  • .hta
  • .img
  • .inf
  • .ins
  • .iso
  • .isp
  • .its
  • .js
  • .jse
  • .ksh
  • .lnk
  • .mad
  • .maf
  • .mag
  • .mam
  • .maq
  • .mar
  • .mas
  • .mat
  • .mau
  • .mav
  • .maw
  • .mcf
  • .mda
  • .mdb
  • .mde
  • .mdt
  • .mdw
  • .mdz
  • .msc
  • .msh
  • .msh1
  • .msh1xml
  • .msh2
  • .msh2xml
  • .mshxml
  • .msi
  • .msp
  • .mst
  • .msu
  • .ops
  • .pcd
  • .pif
  • .pl
  • .plg
  • .prf
  • .prg
  • .printerexport
  • .ps1
  • .ps1xml
  • .ps2
  • .ps2xml
  • .psc1
  • .psc2
  • .psd1
  • .psm1
  • .pst
  • .reg
  • .scf
  • .scr
  • .sct
  • .shb
  • .shs
  • .theme
  • .tmp
  • .url
  • .vb
  • .vbe
  • .vbp
  • .vbs
  • .vhd
  • .vhdx
  • .vsmacros
  • .vsw
  • .webpnp
  • .ws
  • .wsc
  • .wsf
  • .wsh
  • .xnk