M2A File Extension

What is M2A file?

Full format name of files that use M2A extension is MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format. M2A file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. Files with M2A extension are categorized as Video Files files. The Video Files subset comprises 546 various file formats. Users are advised to use Windows Media Player software for managing M2A files, although 8 other programs can also handle this type of file. Windows Media Player software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about M2A files or the Windows Media Player software program.

Programs which support M2A file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support M2A files. Files with M2A suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with M2A extension?

Being unable to open files with M2A extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with M2A files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Windows Media Player

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports M2A files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Windows Media Player or one to the listed programs: VLC media player, Media Player Classic, Adobe Premiere Pro. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support M2A files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Windows Media Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Windows Media Player and update if needed

If you already have Windows Media Player installed on your systems and M2A files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Windows Media Player installed, it may not support M2A format. The latest version of Windows Media Player should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open M2A files to Windows Media Player

After installing Windows Media Player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open M2A files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the M2A file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Windows Media Player installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open M2A files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected M2A file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with M2A extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the M2A 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 M2A file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The M2A may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the M2A file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the M2A file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the M2A file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the M2A file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with M2A 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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format file.

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

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with M2A extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with MPEG-1 Layer 2 Audio Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the M2A files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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