.exe File — Windows Executable

EXE (Executable) files are the standard format for programs and applications on Microsoft Windows. Modern EXE files use the PE (Portable Executable) format, a data structure that contains the code, resources, metadata, and linking information needed by the Windows loader to execute a program. The PE format includes headers describing the target architecture (x86, x64, ARM), entry point address, section table, import/export tables for DLL dependencies, resource section for icons and version information, and the executable code itself. EXE files can be native machine code compiled from languages like C, C++, Rust, or Go, or they can be managed code (.NET assemblies) that runs on the Common Language Runtime. The format supports digital signatures (Authenticode) for verifying publisher identity and code integrity. EXE files are a common vector for malware distribution, which is why Windows includes SmartScreen and other security measures for downloaded executables. Self-extracting archives, installers (NSIS, Inno Setup, WiX), and portable applications all use the EXE format. The PE format evolved from the earlier COFF (Common Object File Format) and replaced the DOS MZ executable format.