Files with WAV extension store audio tracks with variable sampling rate and bit depth. The standard for audio quality in WAV is dual-channel audio sampled at 44,1 Khz with 16 bits per sample, which is the standard coding format for CD audio. WAV files are supported by many codecs, but the most commonly used is lossless PCM. The maximum size of WAV files encoded in PCM is 4GB.
Uses of WAV files
WAV files typically store uncompressed audio tracks, this being the reason for their significant size which is not web-friendly. WAV capacity for storing uncompressed, high-fidelity audio makes it the format of choice for many professional applications, such as audio software applications or in professional music production facilities, for example
recording studios
radio broadcasters
advertisement agencies
WAV is not a complex format and thus is used as a default audio format for many applications, for example in Windows systems. Many popular audio editing and playback programs support WAV files by default.
Can I compress a WAV file?
High-quality audio data stored in WAV files,can be converted into other popular audio formats (for example, MP3). Compression is lossless, but in return the output file is significantly lighter, which saves disk space. Compressed WAV files can be easily distributed over the Internet.
Programs which support WAV file extension
The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support WAV files. Files with WAV suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening WAV files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with WAV 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. Install Windows Media Player software
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WAV files is that no program that can handle WAV files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Windows Media Player or different compatible program, such as Winamp, iTunes, QuickTime Player. 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 Windows Media Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.
Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Windows Media Player
If the problems with opening WAV 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. 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 WAV files are not compatible with Windows Media Player. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Windows Media Player.
Step 3. Set the default application to open WAV files to Windows Media Player
If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate WAV files with latest version of Windows Media Player you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
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 WAV file
Select Choose another app → More apps
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 WAV files box and clicking OK button.
The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS
Right-click the WAV 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
Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with WAV extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.
Step 4. Ensure that the WAV 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 WAV file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.
1. Check the WAV file for viruses or malware
If the WAV 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. WAV file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.
2. Verify that the WAV file’s structure is intact
If you obtained the problematic WAV file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with WAV extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.
3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.
Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the WAVE Audio Format file.
4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Windows Media Player
The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support WAV files. Close all running programs and try opening the WAV 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 WAVE Audio Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the WAV files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
Conversion of a WAV file
File Conversions from WAV extension to a different format
If you have additional information about the WAV 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 WAV file.
Windows 
MAC OS 
Linux 
Android 
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WAV files is that no program that can handle WAV files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Windows Media Player or different compatible program, such as Winamp, iTunes, QuickTime Player. 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 Windows Media Player installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories. 
If the problems with opening WAV 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. 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 WAV files are not compatible with Windows Media Player. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Windows Media Player.
