Tips to open WPS file

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

WPS file extension

File Name Microsoft Works Word Processor Document
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Text Files

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

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is WPS file?

A .WPS file is a text document. It is derived from the Word Processor program included in the Microsoft Works package. It allows you to make text formatting, but with a less complexity than in the case of Word. Currently, this file format is no longer supported by Microsoft as well as the associated software. However, the ability to convert .WPS files to the currently used formats is provided. Some free office suites, such as LibreOffice, allow you to open these files.

How to open WPS file?

An often recurring problem with Microsoft Works Word Processor Document is that WPS is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that WPS files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the WPS 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 NeoOffice

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that NeoOffice is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing NeoOffice 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. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open WPS files.

Step 2. Create association of NeoOffice with WPS files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WPS file still does not use the NeoOffice 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. 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 WPS file with the NeoOffice program.

Step 3. Update NeoOffice to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the NeoOffice program, it is possible that Microsoft Works Word Processor Document requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Planamesa Inc. website or update the program from the application.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:

The WPS file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to WPS files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. 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 WPS file. However, remember that not every infected WPS 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 WPS 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. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular WPS 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 WPS 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 WPS to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.