File extension .WMA
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Media Audio | Microsoft | Audio Files |
The WMA ( WMA) file extension is a Windows Media Audio file format developed by Microsoft Corporation for the Windows Media platform. It is a lossy audio format that compresses and encodes audio data to reduce its file size without negatively impacting the sound quality. In short, WMA files offer better sound fidelity than other compressed formats, particularly at higher bitrates. WMA files are typically used for streaming audio over the internet or downloading music from online music stores.
Technical Details
WMA files are based on the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) multimedia container format and support many features such as metadata tagging and digital rights management (DRM). They are also known as "Digital Rights Management Audio" in the Windows Media Player, which suggests that DRM is enabled for these files and protects them from unauthorized copying. Depending on the version of Windows Media Player that is installed on your system, WMA files may also carry the audio profiles such as Pro, Lossless, Voice, Mobile and palm-sized. As compared with other audio compression formats like MP3, AAC and OGG, WMA files have lower compression rate resulting in better sound quality at higher bitrates. Other similar file extensions include WAV, AIFF, AAC, OGG, FLAC, MP3, etc.
Uses
The WMA file format is widely used by online media stores as well as Internet radio stations and video streaming services. These files can be played back using various software players like Windows Media Player, Winamp, VLC, etc. It is also compatible with most portable media players such as Apple iPod, Creative Zen, SanDisk Sansa, Microsoft Zune, and other devices that support the Windows Media Audio format. Although Windows Media Player does not support the playback of some older versions of WMA files, there are several free third-party applications available which can play these older files.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Windows Media Player 
Winamp 
Mobile Media Converter 
Zune 
Adobe Premiere Pro 
VLC media player 
Audacity 
MediaMonkey 
Movavi VideoSuite Personal 
Helium Music Manager 
OverDrive Media Console 
MPlayer 
Freemake Audio Converter 
xrecode 
Free Mp3 Wma Converter 
MediaCoder 
FormatFactory 
Freemake Video Converter 
Any Audio Converter 
Nero Multimedia Suite - Switch Audio File Converter Software
- SUPER
- fre:ac
- Aimersoft iTransfer
- Movavi Audio Suite Personal
- MID Converter
- ImTOO DPG Converter
- Xilisoft Video Converter
- Ultimate Video Converter
- DVD Ripper+Video Converter Ultimate
- Convert WMA to MP3
- Exact Audio Copy
- Aimersoft DRM Media Converter
- Magic FLAC to MP3 Converter
Microsoft Expression Encoder - iPad Video Converter Factory Pro
- WinX Video Converter
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
Programs for Android system
Programs for IOS system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .WMA) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .WMA extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .WMA file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .WMA extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .WMA extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .WMA file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .WMA file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .WMA file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .WMA file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .WMA file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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