I cannot open a WMV file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with WMV files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening WMV will be resolved!
WMV File Extension
- File type Windows Media Video Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Video Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) WMV file?
A WMV (Windows Media Video Format) file is a digital video file format published by Microsoft. It is based on the Microsoft Advanced Systems Format and is designed to offer efficient delivery of streaming high-quality multimedia content over the Internet or other networks. This file type is part of the Windows Media framework, which also includes Windows Media Audio (WMA) and Windows Media Video (WMV).
The Windows Media framework provides users with a wide range of features and settings for customizing their video or audio file such as video codecs, frame rate, bit rate and resolution. WMV files support lossless compression, which ensures that the quality of the compressed file is indistinguishable from the original version. Consequently, WMV files are most suitable for storing music and video in a compact size while maintaining playback quality.
How to open WMV file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with WMV extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports WMV files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open WMV files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support WMV files
Step 2. Verify whether WMV files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports WMV files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with WMV files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support WMV files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open WMV files with the selected program.
Changing WMV file association in registry
File association for WMV files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check WMV file for other errors
- WMV file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening WMV files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected WMV file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For WMV files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
