WER File Extension

What is WER file?

A .WER extension stands for Windows Error Report file that is generated by Windows Error Reporting services. The WER file is a plain text file that captures the error information for both the application and the OS crash that has occurred. Further, based on this captured information an error report can be generated that helps the users to identify the problem for crashing. Further, the WER file when used in combination with other file formats, such as .mdmp, .hdmp, and .txt file provides additional information regarding the error. The WER file is generally stored at the following locations on Windows OS:
C:UsersUSERAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsWER
C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsWER

Programs which support WER file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support WER files. Files with WER 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: 11/03/2023

How to open file with WER extension?

Being unable to open files with WER extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with WER 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 Microsoft Winqual software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WER files is that no program that can handle WER files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Winqual or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support WER files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Winqual installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Winqual to the latest version

You still cannot access WER files although Microsoft Winqual is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why WER files are not compatible with Microsoft Winqual. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Winqual.

Step 3. Associate Windows Error Report files with Microsoft Winqual

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate WER files with latest version of Microsoft Winqual 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 WER file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Winqual is installed, check the Always use this app to open WER files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with WER extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Winqual and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with WER extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

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

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

If the WER is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the WER file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. WER file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the WER 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 WER 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.

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 Windows Error Report file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Winqual

If the systems has insufficient resources to open WER files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Windows Error Report file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with WER files affecting older versions of given software.

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