Tips to open XAP file

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

XAP file extension

File Name Silverlight Application Package
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Executable Files

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

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

What is XAP file?

The XAP file has been categorized as Executable Files. The author of this format is Microsoft. Executable Files consists of 140 similar files. Silverlight Application Package appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Windows, Windows Phone, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the XAP file. You can use Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Silverlight in case Microsoft Windows Phone cannot be used.

How to open XAP file?

The most common problem when using Silverlight Application Package is that a specific XAP is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open XAP, 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 XAP 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 Windows Phone

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Windows Phone application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Windows Phone in it. 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 XAP files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Windows Phone with XAP files

If, despite the installed application, the XAP file does not start in the Microsoft Windows Phone application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the XAP file with the Microsoft Windows Phone program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Windows Phone to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Microsoft Windows Phone program with the Silverlight Application Package file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the XAP 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 XAP file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the XAP file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. 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 XAP file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected XAP 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 XAP file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular XAP file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted XAP 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the XAP file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the XAP 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 XAP to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the XAP file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.