Tips to open VSIX file
Can't open the VSIX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VSIX files as well as a list of programs that support VSIX files.
VSIX file extension
| File Name |
Visual Studio Extension |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Plugin Files |
The VSIX file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VSIX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VSIX file on each system platform.
What is VSIX file?
The file in the VSIX format belongs to the Plugin Files category. The author of this format is Microsoft. Additionally, the Plugin Files category contains 179 of other files. Visual Studio Extension appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Microsoft Visual Studio to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation.
How to open VSIX file?
An often recurring problem with Visual Studio Extension is that VSIX is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that VSIX 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 VSIX 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 Microsoft Visual Studio
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Visual Studio is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Visual Studio into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open VSIX files.
Programs to open VSIX file
Remember to download programs supporting VSIX files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Visual Studio with VSIX files
If, despite the installed application, the VSIX file does not start in the Microsoft Visual Studio application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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 VSIX file with the Microsoft Visual Studio program.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Visual Studio to the latest version
If, despite the association of the Microsoft Visual Studio program with the Visual Studio Extension file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VSIX 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 VSIX file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VSIX file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the VSIX file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VSIX files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of VSIX file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged VSIX files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted VSIX 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move VSIX to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file VSIX to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the VSIX file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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