ASX File Extension

What is ASX file?

.ASX file format is Advanced Stream Redirector and it is a type of Extensible Markup Language (XML) metafile. The main purpose of ASX file format is to store playlist of a number of Windows Media files for a specific multimedia presentation.

These files contain information related to a specific media file stream to which they are associated. ASX files provide the information of presentation of media files that are listed in the ASX files to the Windows Media Player. They provide with the shortcut of the specified media file to the Windows Media Player. To open such files you need audio playing software applications like VLC media player.

Programs which support ASX file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with ASX files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with ASX suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/24/2022

How to open file with ASX extension?

Being unable to open files with ASX extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with ASX extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Windows Media Player

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ASX files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Windows Media Player or one to the listed programs: Winamp, VLC media player, GOM Player. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ASX files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Windows Media Player installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Windows Media Player

If the problems with opening ASX files still occur even after installing Windows Media Player, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Windows Media Player is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Windows Media Player cannot handle files with ASX may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Windows Media Player is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ASX files to Windows Media Player

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ASX files with latest version of Windows Media Player you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ASX file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Windows Media Player is installed, check the Always use this app to open ASX files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ASX file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Windows Media Player and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ASX extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the ASX file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ASX file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the ASX in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the ASX is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the ASX file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the ASX file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with ASX extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Windows Media Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ASX files. Close all running programs and try opening the ASX file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Microsoft Advanced Streaming Redirector Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ASX files affecting older versions of given software.

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