FileInfo
extension

WINMD File - What is a .winmd file and how do I open it?

Learn about .WINMD files and view a list of programs that open them.

Languages

EN

Overview

What is a WINMD file? A WINMD file is a Windows Metadata file. It contains metadata that defines a Windows Runtime (WinRT) API . WINMD files are saved in the Common Language Runtime (CLR) format, but they can contain different combinations of data than traditional CLR assemblies.

More Information WinRT APIs provide access to various Windows Runtime Components. WINMD files are metadata files that accompany WinRT APIs. These files contain API definitions that allow Windows and other programs to access and use associated WinRT APIs correctly. Third-party developers creating custom WinRT APIs must create WINMD files to accompany those APIs. In some cases, developers create WINMD files automatically, while building custom Windows Runtime Components with Microsoft Visual Studio. In other cases, developers manually create WINMD files, using the MIDLRT compiler . NOTE: You can find several WINMD files in the C:/​Windows/​System32/​WinMetadata directory.

Popularity3.2/5

9 votes

Quick AppUsed by
VerifiedVerified by FileInfo.com The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Windows Metadata file format and Windows apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified. If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know .

Document Icon

Breadcrumbs

DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity3.2 | 9 Votes

Previous / Next

‹ .WINDOWSLIVECONTACT.WIOT ›

In-Depth

.WINMD File Extension

Windows Metadata File

DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity
3.2  |  9 Votes
 

What is a WINMD file?

A WINMD file is a Windows Metadata file. It contains metadata that defines a Windows Runtime (WinRT) API . WINMD files are saved in the Common Language Runtime (CLR) format, but they can contain different combinations of data than traditional CLR assemblies.

More Information

WinRT APIs provide access to various Windows Runtime Components. WINMD files are metadata files that accompany WinRT APIs. These files contain API definitions that allow Windows and other programs to access and use associated WinRT APIs correctly.

Third-party developers creating custom WinRT APIs must create WINMD files to accompany those APIs. In some cases, developers create WINMD files automatically, while building custom Windows Runtime Components with Microsoft Visual Studio. In other cases, developers manually create WINMD files, using the MIDLRT compiler .

NOTE: You can find several WINMD files in the C:/​Windows/​System32/​WinMetadata directory.

How to open a WINMD file

WINMD files are not meant to be opened. For more information about the WINMD format, refer to Microsoft's official documentation .

Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download

Programs that open or reference WINMD files

Sort

Pricing

Program Name

Platform

Reset

X

Windows

Microsoft Windows

Paid

Microsoft Visual Studio 2022

Free +

Microsoft MIDLRT Compiler

Included with OS

Category: Developer Files

Updated: September 22, 2023

FAQ

What is a WINMD file?↓
A WINMD file is a Windows Metadata file. It contains metadata that defines a Windows Runtime (WinRT) API. WINMD files are saved in the Common Language Runtime (CLR) format, but they can contain different combinations of data than traditional CLR assemblies.
How do I open a .winmd file?↓
WINMD files are not meant to be opened. For more information about the WINMD format, refer to Microsoft's official documentation.

Related