4 file types use the .ws file extension.

What is a WS file?

A WS file contains an executable script that can be run via the Windows Script Host. The script may be comprised of various types of routines and elements, including JScript and VBScript routines and XML elements. When you double-click a WS file, the Windows Script Host will automatically run the script the file contains.

More Information

How to open a WS file

Warning

Do not double-click a WS file that you receive as an email attachment or from an untrusted source. Because Windows automatically runs WS files when users double-click them, cybercriminals sometimes use WS files to attack users' computers.

Category: Executable Files

WonderSwan Game ROM

A WS file may also be a game ROM file used by WonderSwan emulators , such as Oswan, OpenEmu, and Higan. It contains an exact copy of the game data dumped from the original WonderSwan game cartridge.

WonderSwan emulators allow users to play WonderSwan games on a computer as if they were run on the original system. Game data from the original WonderSwan game cartridge is dumped into a WS file, which stores the game data in a format that can be played by a WonderSwan emulator.

WonderSwan is a Japanese handheld video game console created by Bandai. It was released in 1999 as a competitor to Nintendo's Game Boy Color. It was discontinued in 2003. WonderSwan game titles include Buffers Evolution, Beatmania, Final Lap 2000, Gunpey, Harobots, and Puzzle Bobble.

Programs that open WS files

Updated: February 7, 2019

1-2-3 Word Search Maker Puzzle File

File created by 1-2-3 Word Search Maker, a program used for making word search puzzles; stores a word list as well as the alphabetical grid containing the words to find; also stores the solution by highlighting the word list in the puzzle.

When you have completed designing a word puzzle, you can print it with a standard printer.

NOTE: WS files are saved in a simple text format and can be viewed with any text editor to browse the contents.

Programs that open WS files

Updated: July 3, 2012

Whitespace Source Code

A WS file may also be a program written in the Whitespace programming language . It contains Whitespace source code , which consists of spaces, tabs, and linefeeds (whitespace characters). WS files also often contain comments written using letters, numbers, and other non-whitespace characters.

Whitespace is a programming language developed by Edwin Brady and Chris Morris. The Whitespace interpreter ignores any non-whitespace characters, so Whitespace programs are written using only spaces, tabs, and linefeeds, which the interpreter reads as either commands or data. Commands are written using preset sequences of spaces, tabs, and linefeeds. Other data is written in binary, using spaces as 0s and tabs as 1s.

While Whitespace is not used for serious development, some developers enjoy developing within the language's limitations and creating fun Whitespace programs. These developers may save their Whitespace programs as WS files.

You can open and edit a WS file in any text or source code editor, such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code . Keep in mind that, because Whitespace programs are written using only whitespace characters, your WS file may appear empty. You can run the program a WS file contains using a Whitespace interpreter.

Programs that open WS files

Updated: April 12, 2022