File Extension Database

Open NTFS File

NTFS, which stands for New Technology File System, is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft for their flagship operating system line, Windows. First introduced with Windows NT 3.1 in 1993, NTFS has since become the dominant file system in Windows, and it comes with a variety of advanced features.

Interacting with NTFS Files

Often, Windows users interact with NTFS files without even knowing it. Any file saved to an NTFS-formatted hard drive is, in fact, an NTFS file. You can open and use these files as you would any other file, using a wide variety of programs. For more info, see Microsoft's guide on working with NTFS.

NTFS and Disk Usage

Another important use for NTFS comes in managing disk space. The file system includes options for compression to save space, and also supports large files, which is particularly helpful in video editing and similar applications. This is covered more thoroughly on Lifewire's guide to formatting hard drives.

Security and NTFS

One of NTFS's major advantages over older file systems like FAT32 is its support for file-level security. This allows more fine-grained control over who can access which files, and what they can do with them. Details on this can be found in Microsoft's guide to NTFS file and folder permissions.

NTFS File Important Information

NTFS is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any Windows user, but it's not without its nuances. Usage of NTFS can impact things like disk performance and compatibility with non-Windows systems. Compatibility is usually not an issue for users who stay within the Windows ecosystem, but for those who need to share files with users of other operating systems, it's a good idea to be aware of the limitations of NTFS. For more detailed info, see how-to-geek's guide.

How Can I Open NTFS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open NTFS file is to find a NTFS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NTFS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open NTFS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as NTFS file opener then try to search online for "NTFS viewer", "application to open NTFS file" or "open NTFS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open NTFS file

How Can I Open NTFS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a NTFS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NTFS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with NTFS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as NTFS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open NTFS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open NTFS file then try to search for "NTFS viewer", "application to open NTFS file" or "read NTFS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read NTFS file

How Can I Open NTFS File on Android

If you downloaded a NTFS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded NTFS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "NTFS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "NTFS viewer", "NTFS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open NTFS File on iPhone or iPad

To open NTFS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the NTFS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "NTFS". This way you can find apps which can open NTFS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "NTFS viewer" or "NTFS file" online in your favorite search engine.

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