WM File Extension

What is WM file?

Full format name of files that use WM extension is Windows Media Format. Windows Media Format format was developed by Microsoft. Files with WM extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. WM file format, along with 546 other file formats, belongs to the Video Files category. Microsoft Windows Video supports WM files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 2 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support WM file extension

Programs that can handle WM files are as follows. WM 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 WM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening WM files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Windows Media Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Windows Video

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WM files is that no program that can handle WM files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Windows Video or one of the recommended programs (for example, Windows Media Player, jetAudio) 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. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Windows Video website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Windows Video and update if needed

If the problems with opening WM files still occur even after installing Microsoft Windows Video, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Windows Video is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft Windows Video cannot handle files with WM may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Windows Video should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open WM files to Microsoft Windows Video

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate WM files with latest version of Microsoft Windows Video you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the WM file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Windows Video is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open WM files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the WM file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 WM extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the WM for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the WM file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the WM file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the WM 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. WM file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic WM file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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 WM 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 Media Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Windows Video

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with WM 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 Windows Media Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle WM files.

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