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EKV File - What is an .ekv file and how do I open it?

Learn about .EKV files and view a list of programs that open them.

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Overview

What is an EKV file? An EKV file is an encrypted video settings file used by some Valve Source Engine video games, such as Left 4 Dead and Portal 2. The settings an EKV file contains are applied automatically, based on the CPU, GPU, GPU memory, and memory capabilities of a player's PC or gaming console.

More Information Most players will never encounter or need to open an EKV file. However, players who wish to mod a game that uses EKV files may want to decrypt the files, alter the settings they contain, and then re-encrypt them, to change the game's automatic video settings.

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DeveloperValve
Popularity3.0 | 2 Votes

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.EKV File Extension

Source Engine Encrypted Video Settings File

DeveloperValve
Popularity
3.0  |  2 Votes
 

What is an EKV file?

An EKV file is an encrypted video settings file used by some Valve Source Engine video games, such as Left 4 Dead and Portal 2. The settings an EKV file contains are applied automatically, based on the CPU, GPU, GPU memory, and memory capabilities of a player's PC or gaming console.

More Information

Most players will never encounter or need to open an EKV file. However, players who wish to mod a game that uses EKV files may want to decrypt the files, alter the settings they contain, and then re-encrypt them, to change the game's automatic video settings.

How to open an EKV file

EKV files are encrypted using a game-specific ICE (Information Concealment Engine) key. If you have access to an EKV file's related ICE key, you can decrypt the file using Vice, Valve's tool for ICE encryption.

To learn more about the ICE encryption and decryption process, click the Vice link found below.

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Programs that open or reference EKV files

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Valve Vice

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Valve Vice

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Category: Game Files

Updated: December 28, 2021

FAQ

What is an EKV file?↓
An EKV file is an encrypted video settings file used by some Valve Source Engine video games, such as Left 4 Dead and Portal 2. The settings an EKV file contains are applied automatically, based on the CPU, GPU, GPU memory, and memory capabilities of a player's PC or gaming console.
How do I open an .ekv file?↓
EKV files are encrypted using a game-specific ICE (Information Concealment Engine) key. If you have access to an EKV file's related ICE key, you can decrypt the file using Vice, Valve's tool for ICE encryption.

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