PCH File Extension

What is PCH file?

PCH is a file extension commonly associated with Precompiled Header Format files. Files with PCH extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. PCH file belongs to the Developer Files category just like 1205 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling PCH files is Microsoft Visual Studio, but users can choose among 4 different programs that support this file format. Microsoft Visual Studio software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about PCH files or the Microsoft Visual Studio software program.

Programs which support PCH file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PCH files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with PCH 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 PCH extension?

Being unable to open files with PCH extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Precompiled Header Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PCH files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Visual Studio

Problems with opening and working with PCH files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PCH files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Visual Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, Text editor, TextMate, Apple Xcode) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Microsoft Visual Studio 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 Microsoft Visual Studio and update if needed

If the problems with opening PCH files still occur even after installing Microsoft Visual Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Microsoft Visual Studio cannot handle files with PCH may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PCH files to Microsoft Visual Studio

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PCH files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio 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

• Clicking the PCH with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 Microsoft Visual Studio is installed, check the Always use this app to open PCH files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PCH extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PCH extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the PCH 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 PCH file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the PCH 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 scanner detected that the PCH file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the PCH file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with PCH extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Precompiled Header Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Visual Studio

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Precompiled Header Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PCH files.

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