Tips to open NKM file

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

NKM file extension

File Name Kontakt Multi Instrument Format
File Developer Native Instruments
File Category Audio Files

The NKM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the NKM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the NKM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is NKM file?

The file in the NKM format belongs to the Audio Files category. The creator of this file is Native Instruments. In addition to this file, the Audio Files category includes 771 related files. Kontakt Multi Instrument Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is KONTAKT. This was created by Native Instruments, Inc.. There are also 1 alternative programs to handle the NKM file.

How to open NKM file?

The main problem with Kontakt Multi Instrument Format is that the NKM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open NKM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the NKM 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 KONTAKT

In this case, you should first verify that the KONTAKT application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing KONTAKT into the operating 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 NKM files.

Programs to open NKM file

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

Step 2. Create association of KONTAKT with NKM files

If, despite the installed application, the NKM file does not start in the KONTAKT application, you must create a file 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 select the desired program. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the KONTAKT application as the default for handling the NKM file.

Step 3. Update KONTAKT to the latest version

If, despite the association of the KONTAKT program with the Kontakt Multi Instrument Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Native Instruments, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The NKM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to NKM files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our NKM file. However, remember that not every infected NKM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the NKM file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair NKM file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Native Instruments
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted NKM 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 NKM file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the NKM file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the NKM file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.