When receiving files on your Windows 10, you may sometimes encounter new types of files that may be unfamiliar to you. Opening it with your default app may not always work. One example is the CFG File. Let’s talk first about what a CFG File is.
What is a CFG File on Windows?
CFG files are configuration or config files for computer applications and programs. It contains configuration data and settings that software developers used to write in apps and even games. Developers use the files to modify parameters in a program or an app.
Both Windows and Mac computers recognize CFG files. It typically comes in a text file with a standard format of JSON or XML. The files can easily be changed or edited. Still, you need to know where open or edit them. Otherwise, it will affect the software where you will use it.
Editing a CFG file will result in a change in the configuration in the app. So if you try to open or edit a CFG file, make sure you know what you are doing.
How to Open a CFG File on Windows 10 Computer
If you need to open a config file with a .CFG file extension in Windows 10, there are several solutions you can try. Follow each solution one at a time and check which one works best for you.
Solution #1 – Through Notepad or Notepad++
CFG files contain plain text, so you can use your Windows 10 Notepad. This software comes pre-installed on Windows 10 to read text files. If you want to use a third-party solution, you can download Notepad++.
Notepad offers basic functions and does not have added formatting tools. Notepad++ can support other languages like C++ and Java. You can also use Syntax highlighting and folding on Notepad++.
- To open the CFG file via Notepad or Notepad++, launch the File Explorer.
- Look for the CFG file you want to open.
- Right-click on the filename.
- Click Open With.
- Select either Notepad or Notepad++. If you cannot find it in the option, click More Apps.
- Click the OK button.
Solution #2 – Use Wordpad to Open a CFG File
You can also open your CFG file through Wordpad. It is a program in your Windows 10 that combines the features of Microsoft Word and Notepad. You can use different formatting tools and embed links or objects to the text.
Just like the steps on how to open a CFG file through Notepad or Notepad++, open it using the Wordpad.
Solution #3 – Open CGF Files with PSPad
If you want to use different software, you can try PSPad. It is a free text editor for Windows 10. You can perform basic editing on the files using only the drag and drop process.
To start using PSPad, you will need to download the tool first. Open a browser on your Windows 10 PC and go to https://www.pspad.com/en/download.php. Download the software and open your CFG file.
Solution #4 – Use Apache OpenOffice
Another software you can use is Apache OpenOffice. It is an office suite like the Microsoft Office Suite. Apache OpenOffice is widely used as it supports different file formats. You can open and edit your CFG files here, as well as text formats like RTF, TXT, DOCX, DOC, and HTML.
To download Apache OpenOffice on your Windows 10 computer, go to https://www.openoffice.org/download/.
Which tools above do you find more comfortable to use in opening .cfg files? Why? We would love to know what you think, so tell us in the comments below.
