WV File Extension

What is WV file?

Files with .WV extension store compressed audio data in WavPack format. WV supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as a hybrid compression method, and offers compression ratios between 30% and 70%. WavePack algorithm was developed in 1998 by David Bryant based purely on publicly available, non-proprietary algorithms. The algorithm is available under a free BSD license. WavePack version 5 was released in 2017 and offered many improvements compared to the initial version. WavePack supports:

• 8-, 16-, 24-, 32-bit PCM and 32-bit floating point PCM,
• Mono, stereo, and multichannel audio,
• 6 - 192 kHz sampling rates, including custom ones,
• All modern audio formats.

Some applications support WV format natively, while others required a plugin to be installed. WV is a fully portable format supported on Windows, Linux or MacOS platforms. A Flash and Silverlight decoders are also available, as well as a web application for converting WV files. Hybrid compression mode creates two files, an optimized, yet lossy WV file, and a WVC repair file that can be used to decompress both files to recreate the uncompressed source file.

WavPack supports multichannel streaming and hardware support for Rockbox. WV can contain metadata in the form of ID3v1 and APE tags, as well as CUE files. Integrity of WV files can be verified based on included MD5 hash. WV uses symmetrical and asymmetrical encoding, where the latter offers slower encoding speed but faster decoding speed.

Programs which support WV file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open WV files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with WV 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: 04/23/2022

How to open file with WV extension?

Problems with accessing WV may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with WV 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 Foobar2000

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WV files is that no program that can handle WV files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Foobar2000 or different compatible program, such as ImgBurn, FL Studio, VUPlayer. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Foobar2000 website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Foobar2000 to the latest version

You still cannot access WV files although Foobar2000 is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Foobar2000 installed, it may not support WV format. The latest version of Foobar2000 should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Foobar2000 to WV files

After installing Foobar2000 (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open WV files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the WV 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 Foobar2000 installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WV files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected WV file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Foobar2000 and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with WV extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the WV for 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 WV file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the WV 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. WV 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 WV 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. If the WV file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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

4. Check whether your system can handle Foobar2000

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with WV 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 WavPack Audio Format files. It may be the case that the WV files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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