Shortcuts created by users have which file extension?

The correct answer is associated with the file extension ".lnk", which is used for shortcuts in the Windows operating system. When a user creates a shortcut to an executable file, document, or folder, Windows generates a file with the .lnk extension that serves as a reference to the original file’s location. This allows users to quickly access applications or documents without navigating through the file system.

Other file extensions serve different purposes: ".exe" indicates an executable file used to run programs, ".sys" denotes system files essential for the operating system, and ".txt" represents plain text files that can contain written information or data but are not associated with shortcuts. Understanding the role of the .lnk extension is vital for anyone studying computer forensics, as recognizing the types of files relevant in investigations can lead to important insights about user activity and system operations.