In this guide, we explain the different file types that major operating systems use to execute code and install software into your machine. For your convenience, we also cataloged them into sections for a more visually appealing presentation.
Windows
Linux
Android
Operating systems
- .exe. It is an executable file and it’s the most common installer file type you will encounter.
- .msi. A file with the .MSI file extension is a Windows installer package file.
- .deb. Distro-specific installer. It is used in Debian-based operating systems, such as Ubuntu, Mint etc.
- .rpm. Distro-spesific installer. Used by operating systems like Fedora, Arch, Open-SUSE etc.
- snap. Universal installer. You need to have the Snap package manager set up to use it.
- flatpack. Universal installer. You need to have the Flatpack package manager set up.
- Appimage. Portable app file type. You need to mark it as executable to run it.
- Apk. It is the installer used on Android and Android-based systems.
- .iso. It is an image file. You need a flashing tool to run.