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.WAV file extension

To open .WAV files on Windows, right-click the WAV file and select 'Open with' to choose a media player like Windows Media Player or VLC.

.wav files are uncompressed audio files that can be opened with media players and digital audio workstations (DAWs) across various platforms.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .WAV files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .WAV files safely.

Windows

  1. Right-click the WAV file and select 'Open with' to choose a media player like Windows Media Player or VLC.
  2. Use audio editing software like Audacity for more advanced features.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Double-click the WAV file to open it with QuickTime Player.
  2. Use professional software like Logic Pro for editing.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Right-click the file and choose 'Open with VLC Media Player'.
  2. For editing, open with Audacity or Ardour.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Open the Files app, locate the WAV file, and select an audio app to play it.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Use VLC for Android to open and play WAV files.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Large WAV files can quickly consume storage and bandwidth.
  • Ensure media players and audio software are kept up-to-date to avoid vulnerabilities.
  • Be cautious of WAV files from untrusted sources as they may contain malware.

Recommended antivirus software

Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.

Avast

Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.

Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

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Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .WAV files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • WAV file is too large
  • WAV file won't play

Fix steps

  1. Convert the WAV file to a compressed format like MP3 using a converter tool.
  2. Use cloud storage services to share large files.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .WAV to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .WAV files into formats your software supports.

What is a .WAV file?

WAV, or Waveform Audio File Format, is a standard for storing audio on PCs. It is based on the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) and typically contains uncompressed PCM audio, making it ideal for high-quality audio editing.

Background

The WAV format was developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991 as part of the Windows 3.1 operating system. It has since become a staple in audio recording and editing due to its ability to store high-fidelity audio data. Unlike compressed formats such as MP3, WAV files retain all the audio data, which makes them larger but ensures no loss of quality. This characteristic makes WAV files particularly popular in professional audio environments where sound quality is paramount. Despite their size, WAV files are versatile and can be easily converted to other formats if needed. They are widely used in music production, broadcasting, and sound design.

Common MIME types: audio/wav, audio/x-wav

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .WAV format.

Common .WAV issues

WAV file is too large

WAV files are uncompressed and can be very large, making them difficult to share.

  1. Convert the WAV file to a compressed format like MP3 using a converter tool.
  2. Use cloud storage services to share large files.

WAV file won't play

Some media players may not support WAV files or specific codecs within them.

  1. Ensure your media player is updated to the latest version.
  2. Try using a universal media player like VLC.

FAQ

Is WAV better than MP3?

WAV files offer higher audio quality due to their uncompressed nature, but they are much larger in size compared to MP3s.

Can WAV files contain metadata?

Yes, WAV files can store metadata, but the support for metadata is more limited compared to formats like MP3.

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