Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.MSV
File Type
Sony Memory Stick Voice File
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .msv file format
The MSV file extension stands for Memory Stick Voice. It is a proprietary compressed audio format developed by Sony, specifically designed for use with their digital IC (Integrated Circuit) voice recorders. These files are typically saved onto Sony Memory Stick media. The format is optimized for re…
File extension
.MSV
File type
Sony Memory Stick Voice File
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .msv file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .msv.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .msv file?
File extension details and usage information
The MSV file extension stands for Memory Stick Voice. It is a proprietary compressed audio format developed by Sony, specifically designed for use with their digital IC (Integrated Circuit) voice recorders. These files are typically saved onto Sony Memory Stick media. The format is optimized for recording human speech, offering high compression to save storage space while maintaining clear voice quality, which makes it ideal for dictation, lectures, and interviews. Because it is a proprietary format, MSV files are not widely supported by standard media players. To play or edit these files on modern operating systems, users often need specialized software such as the Sony Digital Voice Editor or the Sony Player Plug-in for Windows Media Player. Alternatively, MSV files can be converted to more universal audio formats like MP3 or WAV using audio conversion software to ensure compatibility across a wider range of devices and platforms.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .msv files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .msv files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .msv file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .msv file.
Why can't I open a .msv file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .msv format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .msv files
To open a .msv file, use software that supports this file format.
- Sony Digital Voice Editor
- Sony Player Plug-in for Windows Media Player
- VLC Media Player
- NCH Switch Audio Converter
- FFmpeg
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .msv file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.