Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.WLMP
File Type
Windows Live Movie Maker Project
Category
Video
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .wlmp file format
A WLMP file is a project file created by Windows Live Movie Maker, a video editing application that was part of the Windows Essentials software suite. It is important to distinguish that a WLMP file is not an actual video file that can be played in standard media players; rather, it is a project fi…
File extension
.WLMP
File type
Windows Live Movie Maker Project
Category
Video
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .wlmp file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .wlmp.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .wlmp file?
File extension details and usage information
A WLMP file is a project file created by Windows Live Movie Maker, a video editing application that was part of the Windows Essentials software suite. It is important to distinguish that a WLMP file is not an actual video file that can be played in standard media players; rather, it is a project file saved in an XML format. This file contains references to the source videos, photos, and music files used in a project, along with the specific instructions for how they are arranged on the editing timeline. It stores metadata regarding transitions, video effects, text overlays, and audio levels. Because the WLMP file only points to the file paths of the original media assets on the local hard drive, the project will appear broken if those source files are moved, renamed, or deleted. To share the final video with others or play it on different devices, the user must use the 'Save movie' feature within Windows Live Movie Maker to export the project into a standard video container like MP4 or WMV. Since Microsoft officially retired the Windows Essentials suite in 2017, this format is now considered legacy and has been largely replaced by project formats used in the Microsoft Photos app and Clipchamp.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .wlmp files
macOS
Compatible applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Linux
Compatible applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .wlmp files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .wlmp 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 .wlmp file.
Why can't I open a .wlmp file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .wlmp 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 .wlmp files
To open a .wlmp file, use software that supports this file format.
- Windows Live Movie Maker
- Microsoft Photos Legacy
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 .wlmp 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.