AU File Extension

What is AU file?

Full format name of files that use AU extension is Audio Format. AU file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Android, Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. AU file format, along with 771 other file formats, belongs to the Audio Files category. Users are advised to use Winamp software for managing AU files, although 13 other programs can also handle this type of file. Winamp software was developed by Radionomy, and on its official website you may find more information about AU files or the Winamp software program.

Programs which support AU file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support AU files. AU files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with AU extension?

Problems with accessing AU may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with AU 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. Install Winamp software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening AU files is that no program that can handle AU files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Winamp or one of the recommended programs (for example, RealPlayer, QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Winamp installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Radionomy website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Winamp

You still cannot access AU files although Winamp is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why AU files are not compatible with Winamp. The latest version of Winamp should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Winamp to AU files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate AU files with latest version of Winamp you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the AU file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Winamp is installed, check the Always use this app to open AU files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the AU file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AU extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the AU for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the AU file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The AU may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the AU is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the AU file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the AU file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the AU file’s structure is intact

If the AU 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 AU extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative 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 Winamp

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Audio Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle AU files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the AU file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on AU file.