I cannot open a WPS 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 WPS files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening WPS will be resolved!

WPS File Extension

File
  • File type Microsoft Works Word Processor Document
  • File developer Microsoft
  • File category Text Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) WPS file?

The text file with the extension .WPS stores elements of the text document saved in binary format with the exception of macros and more advanced formatting. The file was used by discontinued Microsoft Works 9 software and was replaced by the Microsoft Word .DOC extension.

Open

How to open WPS file?

If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with WPS 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 WPS files

After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open WPS files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:

Programs that support WPS files

Step 2. Verify whether WPS files are associated with appropriate software

It is possible that an application that supports WPS files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with WPS files (right-click on the file icon → PropertiesGeneral Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support WPS 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 WPS files with the selected program.

Changing WPS file association in registry

File association for WPS 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 WPS file for other errors

  • WPS file was not copied properly from storage medium.
  • Antivirus application prevents opening WPS files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected WPS file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
  • For WPS 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.

Similar file extensions