Tips to open MHT file

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

MHT file extension

File Name MHTML Web Archive
File Category Web Files

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

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MHT file?

A .MHT file is an archive that contains a website. It is a shortened .MHTML extension. The website is usually downloaded from the browser and saved to one file. This allows you to view the content of the page without an Internet connection, or transfer it to another computer. It is worth remembering that only the content of the currently displayed page is downloaded. Most browsers (except Firefox, which requires an additional plug-in) support saving .MHT files via the CTRL + S keyboard shortcut.

How to open MHT file?

The most common problem when using MHTML Web Archive is that a specific MHT is not associated with the program. This causes the file MHT to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MHT 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 Google Chrome

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Google Chrome is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Google Chrome into the system search engine. 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 MHT files.

Programs to open MHT file

Remember to download programs supporting MHT files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Google Chrome with MHT files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the MHT file still does not use the Google Chrome program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. 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 MHT file with the Google Chrome program.

Step 3. Update Google Chrome to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Google Chrome program with the MHTML Web Archive file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Google Inc. website or update the program from the application.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the MHT file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file MHT or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected MHT file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the MHT files changes over time. 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MHT file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted MHT files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move MHT to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the MHT file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.