ICS File Extension

What is ICS file?

Files with the ICS extension are calendars, used by calendar programs and email client software. ICS files enable users to publish and share calendar data with users operating on analogues software in the internet.

Additional information

Data contained in ICS files is a plain text. It can be easily displayed using the notepad, or by converting it into one of the more popular formats. Data contained within the file are for instance: start and finish time of a meeting, a title, or some additional data. ICS files are often used to send invitations for events.

Using ICS files

Using hCalendar software enables to publish ICS data within HTML web sites. The ICS File Converter is an internet program which enables to convert ICS files into some other, more popular formats. This enables to export ICS data into PDF or CSV files. By importing an ICS file into a Goole calendar, you can access them easily. You may also share a link with your friends, which will enable them to introduce changes in the scheduled events, in real time.

Programs which support ICS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ICS files divided into 5 categories according to system platform supported. Files with ICS extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 12/07/2019

How to open file with ICS extension?

Problems with accessing ICS may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to ICalendar Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Outlook

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ICS files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Outlook or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Works, Google Calendar, Mozilla Sunbird) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Outlook website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Outlook

If you already have Microsoft Outlook installed on your systems and ICS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Outlook installed, it may not support ICS format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Outlook.

Step 3. Associate ICalendar Format files with Microsoft Outlook

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Outlook installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ICS on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the ICS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Outlook installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ICS files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the ICS file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ICS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the ICS for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ICS file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the ICS file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ICS file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the ICS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with ICS extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic ICS file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with ICS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the ICalendar Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Outlook

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ICS files. Close all running programs and try opening the ICS file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with ICalendar Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ICS files.

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