183 votes
WMA File - What is a .wma file and how do I open it?
Learn about .WMA files and view a list of programs that open them.
Languages
Overview
What is a WMA file? A WMA file is an audio file saved in the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container format developed by Microsoft. It stores audio data encoded in the Windows Media Audio (WMA), WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, or WMA Voice codecs . WMA files also include metadata objects such as the title, artist, album, and track genre.
More Information WMA file open in VideoLAN VLC media player WMA files are similar to .MP3 files and are primarily used for streaming music on the web. However, they may also store other types of audio besides music, including voice narration and sound effects. WMA files utilize Microsoft's proprietary ASF container format, which supports audio and video data. A file utilizing the ASF container format that contains video and audio data, may bear the .asf file extension ( .ASF file). However, WMA and .WMV files, which feature the ASF container format, are more common than ASF files. Typically, files that only store audio data encoded in one of the WMA codecs in the ASF container format have the .wma file extension (WMA files). Furthermore, a file that stores video and audio data in the ASF container format often bears the .wmv file extension (WMV file).
Microsoft Windows Music Icon
Breadcrumbs
DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity3.7 | 183 Votes
Previous / Next
In-Depth
.WMA File Extension
Windows Media Audio
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
3.7 | 183 Votes |
NEW: Open your .WMA file online with File Helper . View Online
What is a WMA file?
A WMA file is an audio file saved in the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container format developed by Microsoft. It stores audio data encoded in the Windows Media Audio (WMA), WMA Pro, WMA Lossless, or WMA Voice codecs . WMA files also include metadata objects such as the title, artist, album, and track genre.
More Information
WMA file open in VideoLAN VLC media player
WMA files are similar to .MP3 files and are primarily used for streaming music on the web. However, they may also store other types of audio besides music, including voice narration and sound effects.
WMA files utilize Microsoft's proprietary ASF container format, which supports audio and video data. A file utilizing the ASF container format that contains video and audio data, may bear the .asf file extension ( .ASF file).
However, WMA and .WMV files, which feature the ASF container format, are more common than ASF files. Typically, files that only store audio data encoded in one of the WMA codecs in the ASF container format have the .wma file extension (WMA files). Furthermore, a file that stores video and audio data in the ASF container format often bears the .wmv file extension (WMV file).
How to open a WMA file
You can open WMA files with various audio players, including Microsoft Media Player , VideoLAN VLC media player , Audacious, or Nullsoft Winamp .
Several mobile apps can also play WMA files, including WMA Music Player (Android) and olimsoft OPlayer (iOS).
How to convert a WMA file
Various audio players and editors, such as VideoLAN VLC media player and Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate, can convert WMA files to other audio formats.
For example, VLC media player can convert WMA audio to the following formats:
Programs that open WMA files
Sort
Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
File Viewer Plus
—
Get it from Microsoft
Free +
Microsoft Media Player
Included with OS
Microsoft Windows Media Player
Included with OS
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Nullsoft Winamp
Free
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
Free Trial
Mac
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Eltima Elmedia Player
Free +
ShedWorx Smart Converter
Free Trial
Linux
Audacious
Free
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
iOS
olimsoft OPlayer
Paid
Android
Videolabs VLC for Android
Free
Category: Audio Files
Updated: June 3, 2022