WSF File Extension

What is WSF file?

Files with the .WSF extension are scripts for the Microsoft Windows Script Host. These are text files that comply with XML format. They can be opened for editing in any text editor, but it is advised to create .WSF files using dedicated tools. The execution of a script is possible through WSH, with the appropriate scripting engines installed for the languages in use. A single .WSF file can include multiple scripting tasks and support various scripting languages.

.WSF Files - Scripting Language Support

Default scripting languages supported in .WSF files include JScript and VBScript. However, the format of the files is designed to be independent of the scripting language. Therefore, after installing a script engine in WSH, it could support languages such as:

• PerlScript,
• Python,
• BASIC,
• Ruby,
• PHP,
• JavaScript,
• Delphi,
• XSLT.

By integrating different scripting languages, it is possible to use functions defined in one scripting language as well as constants from declared objects. This brings the creation of .WSF scripts closer to traditional programming methods.

Application of Scripts in Windows Script File

Windows .WSF script files can support logging processes or system administration. They are considered a tool for Windows system administration. They are also commonly used for automating various system tasks. Scripts can be handled in a graphical GUI mode thanks to WScript.exe, in a textual console mode via WScript.exe, or a COM object mode through WShom.ocx. Tools for debugging scripts are also available.

Programs which support WSF file extension

The following listing features WSF-compatible programs. Files with WSF extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/31/2024

How to open file with WSF extension?

Being unable to open files with WSF extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with WSF extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft WScript

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports WSF files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft WScript or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft CScript, Microsoft Visual Studio. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support WSF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft WScript installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft WScript to the latest version

If you already have Microsoft WScript installed on your systems and WSF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft WScript cannot handle files with WSF may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Microsoft WScript is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft WScript to WSF files

After installing Microsoft WScript (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open WSF files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the WSF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft WScript is installed, check the Always use this app to open WSF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected WSF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft WScript and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with WSF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the WSF for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the WSF file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The WSF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the WSF is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the WSF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the WSF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the WSF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Windows Script Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft WScript

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support WSF files. Close all running programs and try opening the WSF file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Windows Script Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the WSF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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