BIN files: what are they and how do I open them?
Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.
.bin file type #1: Binary disk image
Bin extension files are commonly seen as backups for CDs/DVDs, similar to ISO. A bin file represents an exact duplicate of the data found on the physical disk, often paired with .cue file descriptor.
Further details:
BIN file in terms of CD/DVD is a binary image file. It is a type of disk image, which is a copy of an entire data storage medium or device, such as a hard drive, DVD, or CD.
BIN format is an older file format that contains all of the information from the CD or DVD it originated from, including the boot information, structures, and attributes.
BIN files can be opened on a computer using a disc image emulation software, or they can be burned back to a blank CD or DVD to create a copy of the original disc.
Open file with:
CDRwin
A CD recording program for Microsoft Windows
.bin file type #2: Alpha/Alfa ransomware affected data
Files with bin file extension may also be found as files affected and encrypted by Alpha / Alfa ransomware.
Further details:
The bin file extension seems to be also related to a ransomware labeled as Alpha or Alfa, from the "makers" of the Cerber ransomware. Much like similar ransomware, it encrypts users files and demands ransom to be paid in bitcoins (starts at 1 and increases every 3 days)
It seems to be primarily distributed via e-mails.
We are sorry, there is currently no specific software link to open this kind of file.
.bin file type #3: Apple Safari theme resource
Files with bin file extension can also be found as theme resources for Safari web browser. Could have been used in one of the earlier versions of the program.
Further details:
The bin file extension was also reported to have been used in some version of Apple Safari web browser for files that contain theme resource.
Most likely used during some customization process. Might have been used in older version of Safari only.
Open file with:
Safari
A default web browser integrated to Apple Mac OS X
.bin file type #4: ASUS BIOS update
A bin file extension is sometimes associated with BIOS update files used by ASUS laptops and desktops to update computer BIOS.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with the Windows BIOS Flash Utility, a software for Microsoft Windows that allows users to update BIOS in their ASUS desktops and laptops.
The bin file stores BIOS update.
Open file with:
Windows BIOS Flash Utility
A BIOS update tool
.bin file type #5: Atari 2600 game ROM image
Files with bin file extension are also used for Atari 2600 game ROM files captured from ATARI 2600 game cartridges.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with some emulators for Atari 2600 video gaming console.
The bin file contains game ROM exported from Atari 2600 cartridge.
Atari 2600 was 8-bit gaming console released in 1977.
We are sorry, there is currently no specific software link to open this kind of file.
.bin file type #6: AVG update data
A bin file extension is related to the AVG antivirus software. A bin file stores updated virus definitions and updates for AVG program.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with the AVG antivirus software that protects computers against viruses, Trojan horses and other malware attacks.
The bin file contains updated virus definitions. The file name typically relates to the update number.
The bin file is usually deleted by the updater after the patching process is completed.
Open file with:
AVG Antivirus
One of the most popular antivirus software
AVG Internet Security
A complete computer security software
.bin file type #7: Executable binary file
Program executables in Windows and Linux can sometimes be found with a bin extension.
Further details:
bin file, or binary executable, is a type of file that contains compiled binary data.
This data can be executed as a program by an operating system. The binary data is encoded in a specific format, understood by the computer's hardware and software, which allows the program to run.
Bin files are often used to install software or run games and other applications. They are typically not meant to be opened and edited by the user.
Open file with:
Linux operating systems
A free open source operating system based on UNIX
.bin file type #8: Game data
Files with bin extension can also be commonly found as data resource packages in various computer games. Many formats, serving the same purpose.
Further details:
The bin file extension is sometimes used for data files in various computer games.
These formats are usually not related (unless using same game engine) and in most cases used for resource files that contains data used within the game, such as graphics, texts, sounds or scripts.
Open file with:
The Settlers - Kingdoms of Anteria (Champions of Anteria)
The latest game from the popular Settlers series
Diablo II
Legendary dark fantasy hack and slash action computer game
.bin file type #9: Google Android IMEI information
Files with bin file extension are used by Google Android operating system. A bin file stores information about IMEI.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with the Google Android operating system customized for Samsung Galaxy smart phones.
The nv_data.bin file stores information about smart phone IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number and other data.
Open file with:
Google Android
One of the most popular OS for mobile systems
.bin file type #10: ICQ 6 data
A bin file extension is related to the ICQ, an instant messaging client. A bin file contains data.
Further details:
The bin file extension used by ICQ 6 Xtraz.
Xtraz are designed to easily add more functionality to ICQ messenger.
All Xtraz are located in the Xtraz Center. Obsolete file format.
Open file with:
ICQ
Very popular instant messenger program
ICQ for Linux
Official Linux client for ICQ instant messaging and video conferencing protocol
ICQ for Mac
Official Mac client for ICQ instant messaging protocol
.bin file type #11: Macbinary II encoded file
Files with bin suffix may also be found as archives in the Macbinary II encoded file format used on Macintosh computers.
Further details:
File extension bin is also used for MacBinary archive format often used on Macintosh computers.
Compressed file encoded as binary or MacBinary. It is commonly used for transferring Macintosh files over the Internet. It ensures the Macintosh resource fork and data fork are kept in one file.
MIME: application/macbinary, application/x-macbinary, application/x-stuffit
Open file with:
StuffIt Expander
A free decompression utility with good file format support
IZArc
A freeware archive utility that supports many archive formats
PKZIP for Windows
A compression tool used to create ZIP archives
WinZip
Popular file archiver for Windows
ZipZag
A compression utility that supports over 250 archive formats
.bin file type #12: Micrografx Designer 7 project image
Files with bin file extension are related to the Micrografx Designer 7 project images.
Further details:
The bin file extension was used by Micrografx Designer version 7. Micrografx was acquired by Corel.
The bin file stores project image from Micrografx Designer 7.
The BIN file format is now probably used by iGrafx Designer.
Open file with:
Micrografx Designer
An old software for creation of engineering drawings
iGrafx Designer
An old vector-based drawing software
.bin file type #13: MTK Chipset GPS tracklog data
Files with bin file extension might also be found as tracklogs from MTK GPS Datalogger Device Control software.
Further details:
The bin file extension is also used for tracklogs generated by MTK chipset software which is used in MTK GPS Datalogger Device Control.
Most likely some old format without support. No further information could be found.
Open file with:
MTK GPS Datalogger Device Control
A data handling utility for GPS data loggers
.bin file type #14: Nintendo DS binary data
Files with bin file extension can be found as binary files produced by several emulators for Nintendo console as well as software on the console itself.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with emulators of Nintendo DS a handheld video gaming console released in 2004.
This type of bin files store data captured from Nintendo DS gaming cartridge and stored in binary file format.
Also some games for Wii console use .bin file to store game screenshots.
Open file with:
No$gba
Nintendo DS / DS Lite and GameBoy Advance emulator
.bin file type #15: Nokia proprietary ringtone format
A .bin file extension was associated with Nokia proprietary ringtone format.
Further details:
BIN file suffix was associated with Nokia proprietary ringtone format.
This kind of bin file format contains ringtone, which could be used on Nokia mobile phones.
Most likely some old format without support. No further information could be found.
Open file with:
Nokia Suite
A set of applications used to manage older Nokia mobile phones
.bin file type #16: Opera encoder data
Files with bin file extension might also be found as part of Opera web browsers.
Further details:
The bin file extension is also reported to be used in the Opera, a web browsing software for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux and various mobile platforms. Some sort of encoder file.
Open file with:
Opera browser
A popular iInternet web browser and communiation suite
.bin file type #17: Opton scanner data
A bin file extension is related to the Opton scanner files.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with the Opton scanning devices. The .bin file stores scanned picture.
Opton scanner seems to be obsolete product without any support from developer, but .bin pictures are still viewable in the Rapidform Explorer.
Also used by Perceptron scanners.
Open file with:
Rapidform Explorer (Geomagic Verify Viewer)
A free viewer of Rapidform and 3D scanner formats
.bin file type #18: ReadyNAS OS application
A bin file extension is related to the ReadyNAS OS, a NAS operating system from NETGEAR. A bin file stores application for ReadyNAS.
Further details:
The bin file extension is associated with the Linux-based ReadyNAS operating system for NAS (network attached storage) devices developed by NETGEAR.
The bin file stores application in binary format compiled for ReadyNAS OS.
Open file with:
ReadyNAS OS
NAS operating system for RadyNAS devices
.bin file type #19: Sega Genesis game ROM image
Files with bin extension may also be found as special game ROMs for emulators of the Sega Genesis gaming console.
Further details:
File extension bin is also used for Game ROMs of a Sega Genesis video game, that stores the data from a Sega Genesis cartridge in a single data file. It can be played on a PC using a Genesis emulation program.
Sega Genesis ROMs also sometimes use the smd file extension.
Open file with:
Kega Fusion
A Sega SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, Master System, Game Gear, Genesis emulator
.bin file type #20: Thomson Speedtouch series WLAN router firmware
A bin file extension is related to firmware update files used by Thomson Speedtouch ADSL routers.
Further details:
The bin file extension is also used for binary files that contain firmware update for Thomson Speedtouch ADSL routers.
Thomson is now known as Technicolor SA and no longer produces the Speedtouch line.
We are sorry, there is currently no specific software link to open this kind of file.
.bin file type #21: Thumbnail cache
A bin file extension is related to various applications and used for its cache files.
Further details:
The bin file extension is used by various applications for thumbnail cache file.
Thumbnail cache is used to store thumbnail images for faster view of images in directory, because thumbnails are smaller and can be loaded faster then original images.
Open file with:
CodedColor PhotoStudio
A digital photo editting software
.bin file type #22: Unreal Tournament shader cache
Files with bin file extension are related to the Unreal Tournament shader cache.
Further details:
The bin file extension is related to the Unreal Tournament, a 3D first person shooter video game, It remake of Unreal Tournament released in 1999, available for Windows, Mac and Linux and other games based on Unreal Engine.
The bin file stores shader cache used by UT game.
Open file with:
Unreal Tournament
On-line multiplayer first person shooter computer game
XCOM 2
Sci-Fi turn-based strategy video game