WMP File Extension

What is WMP file?

Files with the WMP extension belong to the category of graphic files.

What Do WMP Files Contain?

Contents of files with the WMP extension are raster images, stored in a format similar to JPG. The extension name is an acronym for Windows Media Photo, which clearly indicates the company that developed this standard. The WMP files can store graphics and photos in palettes:

• black-and-white,
• CMYK,
• RGB,
• or other.

The content of files with the WMP extension can be packed using lossy or lossless data compression algorithms.

What Are WMP Files Used For?

The WMP format was developed by Microsoft primarily for storing digital photos. For this reason, an image codec named HD Photo, which uses JPEG XR technology, was utilized in its implementation. It offers up to twice the compression performance of JPEG, with noticeably fewer artifacts in the final image. Among other reasons, this is why files with the WMP extension are used to store digital photos even at high resolutions or high-quality images.

Programs which support WMP file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with WMP files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with WMP extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 02/29/2024

How to open file with WMP extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening WMP files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with WMP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WMP files is that no program that can handle WMP files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery or one to the listed programs: Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Windows. 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 Windows Photo Gallery installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery to the latest version

You still cannot access WMP files although Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery 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. If you have an older version of Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery installed, it may not support WMP format. The latest version of Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Windows Media Photo Format files with Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery

After installing Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open WMP files. 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

• Clicking the WMP with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WMP files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with WMP extension, select 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....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with WMP extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the WMP file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the WMP file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the WMP 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 scanner detected that the WMP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic WMP 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 WMP 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 in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

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

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Windows Media Photo Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with WMP files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the WMP 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 WMP file.