WKS File Extension

What is WKS file?

WKS is a spreadsheet document format associated with Microsoft Works. Spreadsheets documents store data in cells organized in rows and columns. Microsoft Works is a simplified versions of Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Excel supports WKS files up to version 2003. Later versions of Excel allow only simple importing of WKS data.

Microsoft Works

Works package was a more affordable alternative to the Office package. Works was created in 2008 and continued to be supported until 2010, when Office 2010 Starter version displaced it. The latest version of Works is available free of charge.

Programs which support WKS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open WKS files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with WKS 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: 12/12/2023

How to open file with WKS extension?

Being unable to open files with WKS extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with WKS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Works software

Problems with opening and working with WKS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with WKS files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Works or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Excel. 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 Works installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

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

You still cannot access WKS files although Microsoft Works is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. 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 Works installed, it may not support WKS 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 Works.

Step 3. Associate Works Spreadsheet files with Microsoft Works

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the WKS 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 Works is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open WKS files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the WKS file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Works and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with WKS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the WKS is not faulty

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

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

If the WKS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the WKS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the WKS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

Did you receive the WKS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the WKS 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.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Works Spreadsheet file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Works

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

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

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

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