What is the common file extension for executable files in Windows?

The common file extension for executable files in Windows is .exe. This extension indicates that the file is an executable program, which means it can be run by the operating system to perform tasks, launch applications, or carry out specific instructions. When a user double-clicks a file with the .exe extension, Windows knows to execute the file, initiating whatever process or application it contains.

Executable files are crucial in the Windows environment because they enable the installation and operation of software applications as well as system-level processes. The .exe format is unique to Windows systems, differentiating it from executable formats used by other operating systems. For example, .app is associated with macOS, while .bin and .cmd may represent different types of files that are not primarily used to execute applications in the same manner as .exe files in Windows.