.XNK File Extension
Exchange Shortcut
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
3.3 | 12 Votes |
What is an XNK file?
An XNK file is a shortcut used by older versions of Microsoft Outlook and Exchange to access a specific folder within an Exchange mailbox quickly. It functions as a link to a folder, such as "Inbox" or "Sent Items" (or a custom folder), allowing users to open it directly from the Windows desktop without navigating through Outlook's folder hierarchy. Corporate or enterprise users working with Microsoft Exchange servers who needed fast access to frequently used mailbox folders were the primary users of XNK files.
More Information
Users created XNK files by dragging a folder from the Outlook Folder List onto the Windows desktop. The resulting XNK file stored the mailbox folder location and instructions for Outlook or Exchange to open it. The file itself did not contain emails or other folder content; it only pointed to the folder within the Exchange mailbox.
Since Microsoft has deprecated XNK files in newer versions of Outlook and Exchange, modern Outlook versions no longer support creating or opening XNK shortcuts. Users looking to quickly access folders now rely on features such as Favorites, pinned folders, or desktop shortcuts to Outlook itself rather than individual Exchange folders.
How to open an XNK file
You cannot open XNK files with modern versions of Outlook or Exchange, since Microsoft no longer develops the format. For legacy XNK files, opening them requires an older version of Outlook that still supports the format. Double-clicking the file launches Outlook (if it isn't already open) and navigates to the linked folder, but this functionality is unavailable in current Outlook releases.