WINMD File Extension

What is WINMD file?

WINMD filename suffix is mostly used for Windows Runtime Metadata Output files. Files with WINMD extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. WINMD file format, along with 6033 other file formats, belongs to the Misc Files category. Microsoft Visual Studio is by far the most used program for working with WINMD files. Microsoft Visual Studio software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about WINMD files or the Microsoft Visual Studio software program.

Programs which support WINMD file extension

Programs that can handle WINMD files are as follows. Files with WINMD 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.

How to open file with WINMD extension?

Problems with accessing WINMD may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with WINMD extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports WINMD files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the Microsoft Visual Studio developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Microsoft Visual Studio installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Visual Studio and update if needed

If the problems with opening WINMD files still occur even after installing Microsoft Visual Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft Visual Studio cannot handle files with WINMD may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Windows Runtime Metadata Output files with Microsoft Visual Studio

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage WINMD on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the WINMD with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open WINMD files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected WINMD file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with WINMD extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the WINMD file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the WINMD file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the WINMD file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the WINMD is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the WINMD file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the WINMD file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the WINMD file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with WINMD extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. 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 Visual Studio

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

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 Runtime Metadata Output files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with WINMD files affecting older versions of given software.

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