Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.WMA
File Type
Windows Media Audio
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .wma file format
Windows Media Audio (WMA) is a proprietary audio codec developed by Microsoft. It is used for storing and playing audio files, often with digital rights management (DRM) features to protect copyrighted content. WMA offers various encoding options, including lossy compression for smaller file sizes…
File extension
.WMA
File type
Windows Media Audio
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .wma file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .wma.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .wma file?
File extension details and usage information
Windows Media Audio (WMA) is a proprietary audio codec developed by Microsoft. It is used for storing and playing audio files, often with digital rights management (DRM) features to protect copyrighted content. WMA offers various encoding options, including lossy compression for smaller file sizes and lossless compression for preserving audio quality. It was initially designed as a competitor to MP3, offering improved audio quality at similar bitrates. WMA files can be streamed over the internet and are commonly used for distributing music and audiobooks. While once a popular format, its usage has declined with the rise of other codecs like AAC and the increasing prevalence of streaming services. WMA files can be protected with DRM, restricting copying or playback on unauthorized devices. Different versions of the WMA codec exist, each offering improvements in compression efficiency and audio quality. WMA Pro, for example, supports multi-channel audio and higher bitrates.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .wma files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .wma files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .wma 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 .wma file.
Why can't I open a .wma file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .wma 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 .wma files
To open a .wma file, use software that supports this file format.
- Windows Media Player
- VLC Media Player
- Foobar2000
- Media Player Classic
- PotPlayer
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 .wma 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.