How to Embed Binary Data into a Win32 Executable File in 4 Methods

This Gist covers 4 methods to embed arbitrary binary files (images, data, etc.) inside an executable. From standard approaches (byte arrays) to low-level hacks like binary appending (copy /b), each method includes ready-to-use examples in Visual C++. Use cases: Single-file deployment (no external resources). Hiding data inside .exe/.elf (no encryption). Quick prototyping or educational purposes. ⚠️ Note: Methods 1-3 are "clean" and portable. Method 4 (copy /b) is a hack and may cause problems with checksums or antivirus. All examples assume x86_64 context (adaptable for other architectures). Method 1: Using Win32 Resource Files (.rc) Best for: Native Windows executables where you want integrated resource handling Step 1: Add resource files in Visual Studio Right-click project → Add → Resource... Choose "Import..." and select your binary file (e.g., data.bin) Set resource type as RCDATA and assign an ID (e.g., IDR_MY_DATA) Visual Studio will automatically: Generate/modify resource.h with your ID Create/update the .rc file with: IDR_MY_DATA RCDATA "file.bin" Step 2: Access the resource from code This will be the code to access the resources: main.cpp #include #include "resource.h" // Auto-generated by VS void LoadEmbeddedData() { HRSRC hRes = FindResource(nullptr, MAKEINTRESOURCE(IDR_MY_DATA), RT_RCDATA); DWORD dataSize = SizeofResource(nullptr, hRes); HGLOBAL hData = LoadResource(nullptr, hRes); const BYTE* pData = static_cast(LockResource(hData)); // Use pData (read-only) and dataSize... // Note: LockResource doesn't need unlocking } Key Notes:

Apr 19, 2025 - 11:07

How to Embed Binary Data into a Win32 Executable File in 4 Methods

This Gist covers 4 methods to embed arbitrary binary files (images, data, etc.) inside an executable.

From standard approaches (byte arrays) to low-level hacks like binary appending (copy /b), each method includes ready-to-use examples in Visual C++.

Use cases:

Single-file deployment (no external resources).
Hiding data inside .exe/.elf (no encryption).
Quick prototyping or educational purposes.

⚠️ Note:

Methods 1-3 are "clean" and portable.
Method 4 (copy /b) is a hack and may cause problems with checksums or antivirus.
All examples assume x86_64 context (adaptable for other architectures).

Method 1: Using Win32 Resource Files (.rc)

Best for: Native Windows executables where you want integrated resource handling

Step 1: Add resource files in Visual Studio

Right-click project → Add → Resource...
Choose "Import..." and select your binary file (e.g., data.bin)
Set resource type as RCDATA and assign an ID (e.g., IDR_MY_DATA)

Visual Studio will automatically:

Generate/modify resource.h with your ID
Create/update the .rc file with:

  IDR_MY_DATA RCDATA "file.bin"

Step 2: Access the resource from code

This will be the code to access the resources:

main.cpp

#include 
#include "resource.h"  // Auto-generated by VS

void LoadEmbeddedData() 
{
    HRSRC hRes = FindResource(nullptr, MAKEINTRESOURCE(IDR_MY_DATA), RT_RCDATA);
    DWORD dataSize = SizeofResource(nullptr, hRes);
    HGLOBAL hData = LoadResource(nullptr, hRes);
    const BYTE* pData = static_cast<const BYTE*>(LockResource(hData));

    // Use pData (read-only) and dataSize...
    // Note: LockResource doesn't need unlocking
}