What is the WAV File Extension?

Reporter:   |   Updated: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

WAV File Summary

Nineteen known software programs (notably, Microsoft Windows Media Player developed by Microsoft Corporation) are related to the WAV file extension. In addition, they are categorized under two distinct file types, but mainly identified as the WAVE Audio File format. The WAV File Extension are listed predominantly as Audio Files.

We have found WAV files on the Windows, Mac, and Windows Phone operating systems. They are both mobile and desktop device friendly. WAV files have a "Low" Popularity Rating; this means that they are not present on most devices.

Interested to learn more about the WAV File Extension? We encourage you to view the detailed file information below to learn about the software that opens WAV files, and other troubleshooting tips.

Low
Popular
8405
Order

/ 11690

Active

Mode

26

November

2018

Revised

Open WAV Files with FileViewPro

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Types of WAV Files

  2 known file types use this extension

Principal WAV Type

.WAV
File ID:.wav
Type:WAVE Audio File

WAV file is an audio file format standard for storing an audio bitstream. WAV files are similar to .AIF files, but they are based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), rather than the Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF).

Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Kind:Audio Files
Location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.wav

Software Programs That Open The WAVE Audio File:


Microsoft Windows Media Player by Microsoft Corporation

Windows
Windows Phone
Mac

Apple iTunes by Apple

Windows
Mac
iOS
Linux

Google Drive by Google

iOS
Android
Web

ModPlug Player by Open Source

Windows
Mac

Apple QuickTime Player by Apple

Windows
Mac

Eltima Elmedia Player by Open Source

Mac

Roxio Toast 15 by Roxio

Mac

Microsoft Groove Music by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Clementine by Open Source

Windows
Mac
Linux

Nullsoft Winamp by Nullsoft

Windows
Mac
Android

XMMS by Open Source

Mac
Linux

Adobe Audition by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Windows
Mac

Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate by Xilisoft Corporation

Windows

olimsoft OPlayer by Apple

iOS

Amarok by Open Source

Windows
Linux
Unix

RealPlayer Cloud by RealNetworks

Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux

Roxio Creator NXT Pro 6 by Roxio

Windows

antvplayer Media Converter by Open Source

Android

More WAV Files

.WAV
File ID:.wav
Type:DTS-WAV File

WAV File contains audio data for multiple channels. To be played, it needs programs that support DTS-WAV encoding.

Developer: Open Source
Kind:Audio Files

Software Programs That Open DTS-WAV File Files:


Foobar2000 by Piotr Pawlowski

Compatible with:

Windows
iOS
Android

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WAV Usage


Top PC Operating Systems

Windows (97.14%)
Macintosh (2.06%)
Linux (0.73%)
Chrome (0.05%)
Other (0.01%)

Popular Mobile Brands

Samsung (28.86%)
Apple (21.83%)
Huawei (9.25%)
Xiaomi (6.74%)
LG (3.11%)


Troubleshoot WAV Files


Issues Opening WAV Files

Microsoft Windows Media Player is Not Installed

You attempt to load your WAV file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The WAV File Extension". Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Microsoft Windows Media Player isn't installed on your PC. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.


Tip: If you have another software that you know opens WAV files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.


Outdated Microsoft Windows Media Player

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed that's incompatible with your WAVE Audio File type. Installing the latest version of Microsoft Windows Media Player from Microsoft Corporation is recommended. Your WAVE Audio File file was probably created by a newer release of Microsoft Windows Media Player than what's currently installed your computer.


Tip: Investigate your WAV file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.


Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening WAV files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed.


Additional WAV Opening Issues

Although you might already have Microsoft Windows Media Player or another WAV-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening WAVE Audio File files. Other WAV opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Problems unrelated to software:

  • Windows Registry WAV file paths that are incorrect
  • Deletion of the WAV file description from the Registry by mistake
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player or another WAV application experienced a flawed installation
  • Your WAV file is corrupted (issues with your WAVE Audio File file itself)
  • Past or present virus infection has affected your WAV
  • WAV-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
  • Too many applications are open on your PC to load your WAVE Audio File file successfully

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