Files with the BIN extension are a disk image format. Its more famous analogue is the ISO format. The abbreviation itself deciphers the purpose of the binary disc image format. To manipulate it you will need software for working with disks. We will figure out how to open a file with the bin extension on a computer, and also consider online services that can quickly open images.
How to open a bin file
BIN files have different purposes. As we said, the most common case is when the file is a disk image.
Note! However, there are other data types associated with a similar format. For example, binary data files are found with this extension. They have a different function in the system and you cannot edit them yourself. These include Linux OS executable files, and binary BIN files are also found in the Windows and Macintosh families. We recommend that you be careful when attempting to open or modify a system file.
What is a BIN file and what is it for?
Before answering the question of how to open a BIN-file, you need to understand what kind of beast this is. I do not recommend that you skip this chapter so that you do not have a huge number of questions in the future. And we just need to close this gap once and for all.
BIN file – from the abbreviated name “Binary”, which is translated from English as “Binary”. As we all know from school computer science courses, a computer only understands information consisting of zeros (0) and ones (1). That is, these files, in their simplicity, consist of only these two characters. In some programs they can be seen in hexadecimal notation for ease of editing.
And this is where the first difficulty arises - BIN files are found almost everywhere and are used by all programs. Typically, a BIN file contains auxiliary data that a particular program already uses. In very rare cases, it acts as a full-fledged executable file. Roughly speaking, BIN is a kind of data storage that will be used by a specific program in the future.
Why keep this data in binary code? – yes, because this data is used only by programs, and it will be easier for the computer if all the information in this file consists only of zeros and ones. The operating system does not need to translate data into 0s and 1s, and this speeds up working with this file. It’s one thing when a BIN weighs a couple of kilobytes, but what if the storage contains hundreds of gigabytes?
Let me show you with an example. Let's imagine that we downloaded a game (not an image) or opened a burned CD. You may notice several BIN files in it. How do we open them and why are they even needed here?
Those who have already installed games at least once know that the main launcher is “Setup.exe”. After launching this application, the game will begin to install, using all the BIN storage that is in the folder.
Let me clarify that in this case we did not open the BIN file in any way, but simply used it. For clarity, let's try to open it through a standard text editor. In many articles it is written about Notepad that supposedly you can open this file with it. Yes, you can open it, but there will be no point in it, and now you will understand why.
Right-click on the file and select “Open with”.
Now select “Notepad”.
Yes, we opened the file, but we only see incomprehensible gibberish. Why is this happening? Notepad is actually a text editor that tries to read data written to the BIN as text.
In 99% of cases, BIN is just an auxiliary file of the main application, and it acts as regular storage. That is, BIN is usually opened by a third-party program. But it is possible to edit it and open it. But for the average user this is not necessary.
So, we understand what a BIN file is. Now we need to understand at what moments and how it can and should be used? Let's figure it out. First, you need to understand why you need to open this file, where it is located, where you found and downloaded it, and also what else is in this folder. Next, I will describe all the possible options that you may encounter.
MacBinary Archives
On Macintosh, MacBinary archives are common, in which the BIN file stores the following set of zeros and ones:
- Finder header;
- extensive resources and data;
- a systematic tree of the proprietary HFS file system.
We recommend using The Unarchiver or a standard archiver - Apple Archive Utility.
The BIN format was also used to send files over the Internet from macOS, but today it has been replaced by a new type of archive with DMG resolution.
Disk image
If you downloaded a game or program, and next to the BIN there is another file in the CUE format, then this is most likely just an image. In even rarer cases, there is only one BIN file, which can also act as an image. To use such a file, any program that works with images will suit you: Power ISO, Ulta ISO, Daemon Tools Lite, etc.
They all work the same way, so I’ll show you using UltraISO as an example.
- Let's launch the program.
- See, you can just drag and drop the BIN file into the work area. Or go to the “Tools” section and click “Mount to virtual drive” (F6 key).
- If you chose the second option, then click on the three dots, find our file, select it and click on the “Mount” button.
You can read more about using images here.
Images for emulators
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably saw the Sega Genesis game console, which in the CIS was called Mega Drive. What does BIN have to do with it? Video game images for Sega cartridges are binary encoded, so you will need emulator programs.
Sega emulators for working with BIN:
- Dgen;
- Kega Fusion;
- HazeMD.
In the case of Nintendo DS, the picture is similar. BIN files are needed to store executable data, which can be adjusted if desired to run the project on an emulator. BIN libraries are stored in the same folder as NDS type files.
Nentendo DS emulators for working with BIN:
- DSOrganize;
- DeSmuME;
- Ensata DS Emulator.
Emulators have been developed for the first-generation Sony Playstation console, among which PCSX is worth highlighting, which uses the BIN format to save the BIOS of the original console. This approach is necessary for the PC user to feel completely immersed in the game with authentic sensations (smooth pictures, dynamics, timings).
PlayStation emulators for working with BIN:
- ePSXe;
- PCSX.
Regular executable file (editing with HEX editor)
In some applications, BIN can act as a specific library, executable file. If you need to edit this repository, you usually use HEX editors. In this case, you can open it and even edit it. But will it work with the main application after that? – this is where everything depends on you.
Let me show you how to work with the HEX editor. In fact, they are all about the same, and almost all are free, so you can use any. I personally downloaded the first program I came across for opening BIN files - “Hex Editor Neo”.
- Let's launch the program.
- Click “File” - “Open” - “Open File” or use the hot keys Ctrl + O.
- Select our BIN file.
- Now you can see what a BIN file really looks like, and in fact, we have now opened it, rather than using it, as is usually the case.
Ultra ISO
UltraISO is one of the most popular programs for working with disk images. It supports many formats and is also capable of unzipping binary files.
The UltraISO program is capable of performing the following actions with binary images:
- image editing;
- converting to another format;
- extracting attached files;
- creating a BIN from files from your hard drive;
- mounting to a virtual drive.
To install UltraISO, as well as the other applications described below, run the installer downloaded from the developer’s website with the name of the program. In some cases, the installation file is called setup or install.
To open a BIN using UltraISO, do the following:
- Launch the application, go to the File menu and select Open.
- In the window that appears, specify the location of the binary archive and click on the “Open” button.
- On the right side of the window you can see the contents of the image.
UltraISO is a paid program; the trial version has a limitation on opening files larger than 300 Mb. To remove it, you will have to purchase the full version for $29.95.
BIN in Unix
If you are running a UNIX operating system on a Linux or FreeBSD distribution, then BIN can act as a normal startup application. Yes, this is where you can just launch it. And someone may say, but you just said that BIN cannot be used as an independent program and is just a storage.
Yes, and I still think so. It’s just that in Windows, BIN requires a specific program or Setup.exe, but in Linux it is launched by a built-in application that works with BIN. But again, this will not work with all BIN files. That is, in theory, even in this OS, a BIN is just a set of data.
Other types of binary files
In addition to disk images, binary files can be device firmware, game data, video or audio recordings, and much more. Let's consider several of the most common types of BIN files after images in detail.
Executable binary file
An executable file is a part of an application in binary form. It may contain data for launching a program or configuring it.
To open such a file for viewing and editing, any HEX editor will do, but in order for it to correctly perform its tasks, you will need the program that owns it.
Some of this type of file can be opened using Apache OpenOffice, which runs on Windows, Mac OS and Linux computers.
Unix executable
Binary files in Unix operating systems are ordinary applications. They are intended for use on Linux distributions, FreeBSD, etc.
Router firmware file
Companies Linksys, D-Link, ZyXEL, TP-Link, Huawei use firmware in the BIN format in their routers. Firmware is a program that controls the operation of a device.
To work with firmware files, router manufacturers' own applications for various platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, etc.), as well as web services, are used.
Macbinary II Archive
A Macbinary II binary is an encoded, compressed data file typically intended for transmitting information over a network. Opens using the following programs:
On Windows:
- Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe for Windows
On Mac OS:
- Apple Archiving Utility
- The Unarchiver
- Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe Mac 16
BlackBerry device configuration update file
The BlackBerry Enterprise Server software package includes the IT Policy Manager application, one of the components of which is the policy.bin file. It contains settings data and is used by system administrators to update BlackBerry software.
Policy.bin can be opened using the Research In Motion BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
Nintendo DS Game File
Nintendo DS is a handheld gaming console. Emulators of such a console on a computer use BIN files to modify games. They are usually found in game images that have the .NDS format.
You can open a BIN file of this type using the following programs:
- DSOrganize
- DeSmuME
- NO$GBA
Atari game file
The Atari game BIN file contains a cartridge image for the consoles of the same name, which were popular in the 80s. The file is used to download games to the console emulator; you can open it using the following applications:
- Stella
- z26 (development discontinued).
Nintendo Wii Data File
A Nintendo Wii data file may contain encrypted or plain text game information for the game console of the same name. It is usually stored on the device's SD card and is named content.bin. You can see what is in this file using the software tools of the console itself.
Sega Genesis game image
The Sega Genesis binary is an image of a game cartridge for the Sega Genesis console. It opens on a computer using emulators.
On Windows:
- Kega Fusion (also works on Mac OS and Linux)
- DGen
- Gens+
- HazeMD
- Ages
On Mac OS:
- Genesis Plus
BIOSPlayStation
PlayStation BIOS BIN files can also be opened in emulators of the console of the same name on a computer. They are designed to ensure the operation of the device.
Programs for opening PlayStation BIOS files on Windows, Mac OS and Linux:
- ePSXe
- PCSX-Reloaded
- PCSX (Windows only)
Binary video or audio file
The BIN can also contain a regular video or audio recording. The following media players can play it:
- VLC Media Player
- GOM Player
- Media Player Classic
- KMPlayer
***
If you don't know what exactly the BIN file you are interested in might be, its size will help you guess its approximate purpose. An object ranging in size from tens of Mb to several Gb will most likely turn out to be a disk image, video recording, or application. The small file will likely contain device firmware or data for game console emulators.
Router firmware
In all routers, when updating the firmware, a file with the BIN extension is used. The procedure is very simple:
- You go to the official page of the router and download the latest firmware.
- Next, go to the router settings.
- Go to the “Administration” – “Update” section. Click “Select file” and select the BIN file.
- Click on the “Update” button.
The router's built-in operating system, using the downloaded storage, downloads and updates the internal OS.
How to copy files to a flash drive if it is write-protected
Read proven methods in the new article - “How to unlock a write-protected flash drive.”
Warning window “Disk is write protected”
When transferring images or other important data to a memory card, sometimes an unpleasant message appears - the device is write-protected. The solution to the problem is carried out through working with the registry.
Step 1. Open the Windows Registry Editor (key combination Win+R). Enter the regedit command in the text field and click OK.
Enter the regedit command in the text field and click OK
Step 2. In the menu on the left, follow the specified path as in the photo below and look for the line StorageDevicePolicies.
We are looking for the line StorageDevicePolicies
Step 3. Change the WriteProtect parameter from 1 to 0.
Change the WriteProtect parameter from 1 to 0
Ready! All that remains is to restart the computer.
Other uses
As you may already understand, BIN can be used by absolutely any program, utility, on any operating system. For example, in modern cars, embedded computers also use BIN firmware, which allows you to update the OS.
If you are in doubt about how exactly you should use your BIN file, you can contact me in the comments. Most importantly, write in as much detail as possible:
- Where did you find this file?
- What else is present next to it.
- Write the exact name and weight.
- Where did you download it?
I will try to help you. That's all. I hope the article helped you in some way.
How to open the BIN extension on a Samsung phone and other Android devices
If you want to open the “.bin” file on your smartphone, then here are the options. We'll talk about this below.
Via file manager
If you want to open a file of this type through a regular file manager, then you need to do the following:
- Download the file or transfer it from your computer to your phone.
- Change the file extension from “.bin” to “.txt”.
- Open with any text editor.
Of course, this doesn’t make much sense, since there is no sane text there. But if you want to see the content, you will see it.
Using the ES Explorer program
Despite the fact that this program is not available on Google Play, it can be downloaded, for example, here. After this, you need to install the program from the downloaded APK file, open the list of files in Explorer, find the one you need with the extension “.bin” and tap on it.
Do not rush to resort to third-party software to open BIN files without trying to do it through ES Explorer
It is important to note that in this case, the file will open with a long press through the “Package Installer” and will be installed as a regular APK file (if, of course, it has a program that can be installed). Otherwise, it can be opened if only you first change its extension to “.txt”, or it will be a video/audio file initially.
There are no other ways to open files of this type on Android, since there are no corresponding default programs for this system. In other words, no explorers or file managers can open these files directly.
Programs for working with images
Alcohol 120% is one of the most popular and recognizable programs for Windows 7. It has enormous functionality for working with any images of programs or games. Its peculiarity is that it not only extracts ISO or BIN files, but turns them into a virtual floppy disk. This allows you to use even those programs that were not originally distributed via the Internet, but were only sold on DVD or CD. How to open a bin file in this program? You just need to drag it into the workspace, and then mount it onto a virtual disk. This is done in a few clicks. After this, a standard autorun window will open, the system will consider that this is a real DVD. You can later view the contents of the disc.
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And if you take into account the wide functionality and the presence of a Russian interface, then it can be called the best solution in its field.
Ultra ISO is a powerful utility that allows you to do almost anything with BIN files. Through this program, they can be converted to other formats (more than 30 extensions are supported), emulated, turning the image into a virtual disk, or burned. Such extensive functionality allowed this program to become one of the most popular. This was also facilitated by the Russian interface language and ease of use.
A serious disadvantage of the program is that it is distributed under a closed, paid license. Of course, there is a free version, but it does not work with files larger than 0.3 GB. This is catastrophically little in modern realities. Ultra ISO is suitable for you if you often burn discs, or if you sometimes need to emulate a small image.
For advanced users there is functionality for creating bootable DVDs and Flash disks. You can use it when reinstalling Windows, Linux or DOS systems.
Power ISO is very similar to the previous utility. It has a similar interface, which, by the way, has been translated into Russian, similar technical capabilities and license restrictions. Using this program, you will not be able to emulate an image larger than 300 MB, but you can burn files of any size to disk. That is why it is often used by those who need to “burn” a DVD or CD. You can download the program completely free of charge, but to remove restrictions you will need to purchase a license.
Interesting features include not only support for major formats - ISO, BIN, etc., but also the presence of its own, unique .daa format. It is not very widespread, but has several advantages over its analogues. The main one is the highest compression ratio, which greatly exceeds ISO. This makes it easier to download files over the Internet.
Alcohol 120%
Old well-known software for manipulating disk images. It features a significant number of functions. The program not only converts the BIN format, but also creates a virtual disk from them. A function required for using games and software distributed only on physical media: CD/DVD discs. To open the image in Alcohol 120%, we move the file to the workspace and mount it on a virtual disk.
Alcohol 120% program
Ultra ISO
The program allows you to work with disk images, burning them, mounting them on virtual devices, and even creating images from disks. Using UltraISO, you can not only open a file with the BIN extension, but also additionally convert an image with the current extension, for example to ISO. Users have the opportunity to use the trial period of the program without having to purchase a license.
After installation, the user only needs to run the program as an administrator in Windows 10. If you do not run the program as an administrator, some important functions may simply not be available. The program will warn you about the need to restart the program with administrator rights for the next use.
Select File > Open , and in the Explorer window that opens, specify the location of the file with the BIN extension. On the right side of the program window you will see the data contained in the current disk image. You can simply drag them to a place convenient for you and, if necessary, use them in the future.
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Go to
Tools > Mount to virtual drive... Then in the window that opens, select the image file in Explorer and click the Mount . Then in Explorer you can open and use the current image as a regular disk.
Well, the bonus of this application is that you can literally convert to another format in just a few clicks. Just go to Tools > Convert . In the window that opens, specify the file to be converted , the output directory and the actual outgoing output format . After clicking the Convert , wait until the process of converting the outgoing file is completed.
Conclusion
Disk images can be opened using familiar applications that allow you to work with images. If necessary, you can convert a file with a BIN extension into a standard ISO image. Please note that if a file takes up a lot of disk space, it most likely contains a disk image. Smaller files refer to driver or firmware files, as well as game data for consoles.
Nero
In general, any program related to burning discs and working with images will do. In this top we indicate Nero, since it is currently the most popular in this segment. Ideal when bin is a video file.
How can you determine that bin is a DVD image? Here you need to be guided by its size. Large and very large files are most often image files.
Nero is a good, functional program that is sold free of charge. It works with many "complex" data formats. The software is constantly updated, new versions are released, which allows it to work more or less stably with different formats.
To open a file, do the following:
- Launch the program;
- In the upper left corner of the menu header, find the “Record data” button;
- Specify the file you want to open;
- Or simply drag it with the mouse into the program workspace;
- After this, the information available in the file will be displayed automatically;
- Then you can do what is necessary, for example, burn the image to disk.
However, this method is still not universal. The program sometimes crashes and cannot open some bin types.
Daemon Tools
This one is most suitable for gaming bins. That is, if such data is found on the disc with the game or in the folder with it, then it is better to open it through this software. The program has a free trial period with almost unlimited functionality and works stably.
To open bin, do the following:
- Download the Daemon Tools version suitable for your computer;
- Install the program following the instructions of the installation wizard;
- Launch the program;
- In the upper left corner of the main program window, in the menu header, find the File button;
- Click on it and select Open from the menu that appears;
- After clicking the Open button, standard Windows Explorer will launch;
- Through it, specify the path to the file you want to open;
- After this, the contents of the file will be displayed in the main program window.
If necessary, you can not only familiarize yourself with it, but also make changes.
The program works much more stable than all those listed above. It supports bin of many types and allows you to display their contents correctly.
Power ISO
Similar to the application described above. There are even repetitions in the interface. The program is distributed free of charge, but with reduced functionality. To use all the features of the software, you will have to buy a license.
An analogue of the UltraISO application is the PowerISO program
In addition to disk images, movies are saved in the BIN format. Users are accustomed to MP4, AVI, and therefore when they see the name of a movie with the BIN extension, they get lost.
Opening a binary video file
In some cases, a bin file found on a computer may turn out to be a binary video file Binary Video File - that is, a copy of a DVD or other media containing video recordings.
It is one of the varieties of the image, but comes complete with data with the .cue extension and is opened not by emulators, but by multimedia players:
- KMPlayer;
- VLC Media Player;
- MPlayer.
Fig.5. Media player VLC.
Binary data stores that do not require opening
Information presented in binary form does not always require opening using any applications.
Often such files, especially if they are small in size (for example, 5-10 kb), are used only by specific programs and games, during the installation or use of which bin files are launched automatically.
But, if for some reason their contents need to be viewed, applications like WinHex or Resource Hacker are chosen.
Fig.6. WinHex application.
Programs for working with video files
Not only images of programs, but also films are saved in the .bin format. This is not a very familiar format, and many people get confused, not knowing which program to open the downloaded video with. Although the solution, in fact, lies on the surface.
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VLC media player is one of the most popular movie watching software used by millions of people around the world.
Total Vdeo player is a simple program that copes with a complex task. It is not as popular as VLC, but it will get the job done.
You can find other programs on the Internet that allow you to open the bin file. When downloading them, pay attention to the source so as not to infect your computer with malware.
VLC media player
VLC media player program
Included in the TOP programs for watching videos. Opens many movie formats, has a clear and visually pleasing interface. The main advantage is that the software is absolutely free. We are interested in it because of the ability to open binary files, which most video players cannot boast of. The program is installed on all existing systems. By installing VLC, you will be able to work with compressed files on MacOS and Linux.
Total Video Player
Total Video Player
The program is much simpler, with a nondescript interface. But behind the outdated graphical shell, huge functionality breaks down. In addition to BIN, the utility opens any video. This is the most versatile product that plays movies and audio.
