WSH File Extension

What is WSH file?

WSH is a file extension commonly associated with Windows Script Host Settings files. Windows Script Host Settings format was developed by Microsoft. WSH file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. WSH file format, along with 140 other file formats, belongs to the Executable Files category. Users are advised to use Microsoft WScript software for managing WSH files, although 6 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support WSH file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support WSH files. WSH files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with WSH extension?

Being unable to open files with WSH extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Windows Script Host Settings files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft WScript

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports WSH files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft WScript or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft CScript, Microsoft Windows XP Professional) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. 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 WSH files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Microsoft WScript installed, it may not support WSH format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft WScript.

Step 3. Associate Windows Script Host Settings files with Microsoft WScript

If you have the latest version of Microsoft WScript installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage WSH on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the WSH file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft WScript installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WSH files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected WSH file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with WSH extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the WSH is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the WSH file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the WSH file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the WSH file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the WSH file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the WSH file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the WSH file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the WSH file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft WScript

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with WSH extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Windows Script Host Settings files. It may be the case that the WSH files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the WSH file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on WSH file.