wav

.wav — Waveform Audio File

Microsoft / IBM · 1991

Developer

Microsoft / IBM

What is a .wav file?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is a standard uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM. WAV files store audio data in raw PCM format, preserving full studio-quality sound but resulting in very large file sizes (~10MB per minute for CD quality). WAV is the standard format for professional audio production, sound design, and music mastering. It is universally supported across all platforms and audio software.

Programs That Open .wav Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Windows Media Player	Free	Official
	Audacity	Free
macOS	QuickTime Player	Free
	GarageBand	Free

Common Problems with .wav Files

⚠️ Cannot open .wav file

Install one of the recommended programs listed above. For a free option, try the first free program in the list.

⚠️ .wav file is corrupted

Try re-downloading the file. If the file was transferred, ensure the transfer completed without errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What program opens .wav files?▼

.wav files can be opened with several programs. Windows Media Player is one of the most popular choices.

Is .wav a safe file format?▼

Generally yes, .wav files are safe to open with appropriate software.

Can I convert .wav to another format?▼

Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .wav files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.

Technical Details

Waveform Audio File files use the audio/wav MIME type and were first introduced in 1991 by Microsoft / IBM. The file can be identified by its signature: 52 49 46 46 (RIFF).

Did You Know?

Waveform Audio File was first released in 1991 by Microsoft / IBM

Security Information

.wav files are generally safe to open. However, always ensure your software is up to date to protect against potential vulnerabilities.