What is a common file extension for executable files in Windows?

The file extension .exe is commonly associated with executable files in the Windows operating system. Executable files are programs that perform specific tasks when run. The .exe extension indicates that the file can be executed as a program, allowing the operating system to launch it directly. This is essential for applications, installers, and various utilities in Windows environments.

In contrast, other file extensions serve different purposes: .txt is used for plain text files, .docx is associated with Microsoft Word documents, and .jpg is a format for image files. Each of these extensions indicates a specific type of file that has its own applications and cannot execute programs like .exe files can. Thus, the .exe extension is uniquely suited for indicating that a file contains an executable program.