If you have suddenly noticed that all the icons on your desktop have the extension .Ink, you might be wondering what it means and how to fix it. The .Ink extension is a shortcut file that is created by Windows when you create a shortcut to a file or program. It is a small file that contains information about the location of the original file or program and is used to launch it quickly.
Here are some possible reasons why all your icons have the .Ink extension:
– You might have accidentally changed the file type association for shortcuts on your computer.
– Your computer might be infected with malware that is causing this issue.
– There might be a problem with the Windows registry that is causing this issue.
To fix this issue, you can try the following solutions:
1. Change the file type association for shortcuts:
– Right-click on any shortcut icon on your desktop and select “Properties”.
– In the “Properties” window, click on the “Change” button next to “Opens with”.
– Select “Windows Explorer” from the list of programs and click “OK”.
– Click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
– Repeat these steps for all the shortcut icons on your desktop.
2. Scan your computer for malware:
– Install and run a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program on your computer.
– Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware that might be causing this issue.
– Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
3. Fix the Windows registry:
– Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
– Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTlnkfile
– Right-click on the “lnkfile” key and select “Export” to create a backup of the key.
– Delete the “IsShortcut” value from the right pane.
– Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
If none of these solutions work, you might need to seek help from a professional computer technician.ConclusionI hope these solutions help you fix the issue with the .Ink extension on your desktop icons. Remember to always be cautious when making changes to your computer’s settings or registry, and to back up important files and data before making any changes. If you continue to experience problems, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional.