.wma

Windows Media Audio

File Extension Details

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Audio

What is a .wma file?

Windows Media Audio (WMA) is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. It encompasses a family of audio codecs and their corresponding audio coding formats. WMA was designed as a competitor to the popular MP3 format. It offers various versions, including WMA Standard, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, and WMA Voice, each tailored for different audio quality and compression needs. WMA Standard is a lossy codec intended for general-purpose audio encoding, while WMA Pro offers higher quality audio at lower bitrates, supporting multi-channel audio and higher sampling rates. WMA Lossless provides bit-for-bit identical audio reproduction, sacrificing compression efficiency for perfect audio fidelity. WMA Voice is optimized for speech encoding, making it suitable for voice recordings and dictation. WMA files are typically stored with the .wma extension and can be played back on a wide range of devices and software, especially those running Windows operating systems. However, cross-platform support has improved over time, with many media players on other operating systems also supporting WMA playback.

.wma File

Windows Media Audio

Compatible Software Alternatives

143

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Audio

Category

Software Compatibility

Programs that can open and work with .wma files

Windows

Compatible Applications

Windows Media Player

Compatible

VLC Media Player

Compatible

Foobar2000

Compatible

MediaMonkey

Compatible

macOS

Compatible Applications

VLC Media Player

Compatible

Elmedia Player

Compatible

iTunes (limited support)

Compatible

Audacity

Compatible

Linux

Compatible Applications

VLC Media Player

Compatible

Audacity

Compatible

Rhythmbox

Compatible

Amarok

Compatible

Mobile

Mobile Applications

VLC Mobile

Compatible

Poweramp

Compatible

MX Player

Compatible

Windows Media Player (Android)

Compatible

Alternative File Formats

Similar formats you might consider

Alternative format for .wma files

Alternative format for .wma files

Alternative format for .wma files

Alternative format for .wma files

Alternative format for .wma files

Related Categories

Related Files

View all Audio files

Frequently Asked Questions

About .wma files

To open a .wma file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

Windows Media Player
VLC Media Player
VLC Mobile

Check the 'Software Compatibility' section above for a complete list of programs that can open .wma files on different operating systems.

To convert a .wma file to another format, you can:

Use compatible software Many programs that open .wma files also allow you to save or export them to different formats. For example, you might try using Windows Media Player , VLC Media Player. ...
Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert allow you to convert files between different formats without installing software.
Convert to recommended alternatives: For .wma files, consider converting them to .mp3, .aac, .ogg which may be better supported by various applications.
Specialized conversion tools: Search for '.wma converter' to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

Note: File conversion may result in loss of formatting, quality, or features depending on format compatibility.

If you're having trouble opening a .wma file, try these troubleshooting steps:

Verify the file extension is correct: Sometimes files are incorrectly named. Make sure the file is actually a .wma file.
Update your software: Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen program.
Try alternative software: If one program doesn't work, try another from our compatibility list.
Check for file corruption: The file might be damaged. Try getting a fresh copy if possible.
Look for file converters: Converting to a more common format might be helpful.

Like any file type, .wma files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

From trusted sources: Files from reputable websites, colleagues, or friends are generally safe.
From unknown sources: Exercise caution with files from unknown websites or emails.

Security Recommendations:

Always scan files with antivirus software before opening
Keep your operating system and applications updated.
Be especially cautious with executable file types

Common issues with .wma files include:

Compatibility Issues: Older or newer software versions may not fully support certain .wma files
Missing Components: Fonts, media, or other components may not transfer properly between systems.
File Corruption: Incomplete downloads or transfer errors can damage files.
Format Variations: Different software may implement the .wma format in slightly different ways.

If you encounter issues with a specific .wma file, you may need to:

Try opening it with different software.
Ask the file creator to save it in a different format
Look for software-specific patches or updates.

Chat with AI about .wma files

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