ShellExecute is a Win32 API function used to launch document files
ShellExecute is a Microsoft Win32 API function used to launch document files.
Depending on the type of document file, it will do this through:
- Creating a process using the executable file associated with the specified document
- Using the COM subsystem to request a shell extension to launch the document
- Initiating an action to be completed by the end-user, such as a search
As a rule of thumb, it can be assumed that invoking ShellExecute on a document file will have the same result as double-clicking on that file in Windows Explorer, including displaying user interface elements.
