Tips to open AX file

Can't open the AX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AX files as well as a list of programs that support AX files.

AX file extension

File Name DirectShow Filter
File Category Plugin Files

The AX file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is AX file?

The file with the extension AX is the Plugin Files file type. In addition to this file, the Plugin Files category includes 179 related files. DirectShow Filter appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The QuickTime Player application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Apple, Inc.. Alternatively, you can use 6 other programs. You can use VLC media player, Windows Media Player, Video player in case QuickTime Player cannot be used.

How to open AX file?

The most common problem when using DirectShow Filter is that a specific AX is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that AX files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install QuickTime Player

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that QuickTime Player is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name QuickTime Player in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support AX files.

Step 2. Create association of QuickTime Player with AX files

If, despite the installed application, the AX file does not start in the QuickTime Player application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the AX file with the QuickTime Player program.

Step 3. Update QuickTime Player to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the QuickTime Player program, it is possible that DirectShow Filter requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AX file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the AX file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AX file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected AX file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of AX file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular AX file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted AX files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the AX file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the AX file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the AX file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the AX file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.