Tips to open WIM file

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

WIM file extension

File Name Windows Imaging Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Disk Image Files

The WIM file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the WIM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the WIM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is WIM file?

The WIM file has been categorized as Disk Image Files. It was designed by Microsoft. Additionally, the Disk Image Files category contains 203 of other files. Windows Imaging Format is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is WinMount. This was created by WinMount International Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 2 other programs. PeaZip, 7-Zip will apply when it is not possible to use WinMount.

How to open WIM file?

The main problem with Windows Imaging Format is that the WIM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open WIM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the WIM 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 WinMount

In this case, you should first verify that the WinMount application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name WinMount into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support WIM files.

Programs to open WIM file

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

Step 2. Create association of WinMount with WIM files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WIM file still does not use the WinMount program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. 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 WinMount application as the default for handling the WIM file.

Step 3. Update WinMount to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the WinMount program, it is possible that Windows Imaging Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the WinMount International Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the WIM 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 WIM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the WIM file. 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. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our WIM file. However, remember that not every infected WIM 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 WIM 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.
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 option of recovering data from damaged WIM files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file WIM 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move WIM to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the WIM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file WIM to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the WIM file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.