HDS File Extension

What is HDS file?

Files with the extension HDS belong to the category of DRM files.

What do HDS files contain?

Files with the HDS extension contain data used by an application called Windows Digital Rights Management. This application is used to manage access to streamed multimedia. The content of HDS files are information that allows restricting the playback ability of resources for selected recipients.

What are HDS files used for?

One of the uses of files with the HDS extension is by platforms like Netflix. Thanks to the information stored in HDS files, dedicated software can gain access to specific streamed multimedia. In essence, Netflix resources become inaccessible to users who have not paid for the viewing rights. Internet users who have purchased access can play movies only on defined devices. Information about this is stored precisely in files with the extension HDS.

Programs which support HDS file extension

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

Updated: 03/05/2024

How to open file with HDS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HDS files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft PlayReady Data Format 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 PlayReady

Problems with opening and working with HDS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HDS files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft PlayReady or one of the recommended programs (for example, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Windows) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support HDS files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Microsoft PlayReady installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft PlayReady

You still cannot access HDS files although Microsoft PlayReady is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft PlayReady installed, it may not support HDS format. The most recent version of Microsoft PlayReady is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open HDS files to Microsoft PlayReady

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HDS files with latest version of Microsoft PlayReady you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the HDS file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft PlayReady is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open HDS files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HDS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with HDS extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the HDS for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the HDS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the HDS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the HDS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HDS file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the HDS 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. When downloading the file with HDS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Microsoft PlayReady Data Format file again.

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

If the systems has insufficient resources to open HDS files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Microsoft PlayReady Data Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HDS files affecting older versions of given software.

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