Tips to open WAV file

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

WAV file extension

File Name WAVE Audio Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Audio Files

The WAV file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the WAV files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the WAV file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 8
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

What is WAV file?

The .WAV file is an audio file. It is the second most popular format after .MP3. It was created as a result of cooperation between Microsoft and IBM. The format is based on a RIFF structure that serves as a container for audio and video files. .WAV files are supported by Windows and used as the main format for audio recording applications. Compared to the MP3 format, it offers better sound quality, which unfortunately affects the size of the files. The Macintosh equivalent of .WAV files is .AIF.

How to open WAV file?

The most common problem when using WAVE Audio Format is that a specific WAV is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open WAV, 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 WAV 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 iTunes

In this case, you should first verify that the iTunes application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing iTunes into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file WAV.

Programs to open WAV file

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

Step 2. Create association of iTunes with WAV files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WAV file still does not use the iTunes program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the iTunes application as the default for handling the WAV file.

Step 3. Update iTunes to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the iTunes program, it is possible that WAVE Audio Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Apple, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the WAV 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. 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 WAV file. Sometimes virus-infected WAV files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of WAV file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular WAV file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file WAV except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the WAV file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. 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 WAV file again. However, some background programs may block the WAV file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.