WS File Extension

What is WS file?

WS (Windows Script) is an executable script file for Windows. The source code can be written in Jscript or VBScipt. Additional XML formatting is also supported. In order to run WS scripts WSH version higher or equal to 2.0 is required.

Safety concerns

WS files are executables and therefore can be potentially dangerous. Users should under no circumstance run WS files from unknown sources. Because WS files are less popular than EXE files, they are commonly used to deliver computer viruses or bloatware. It is worth noting that code int WS file can reference external resource and thus even the smallest such file can be potentially dangerous.

Programs which support WS file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support WS files. WS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 11/26/2023

How to open file with WS extension?

Problems with accessing WS may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with WS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft WScript

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening WS files is that no program that can handle WS files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft WScript or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Windows, Vim, Windows Notepad. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft WScript installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

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

You still cannot access WS files although Microsoft WScript 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. This can be one of the causes why WS files are not compatible with Microsoft WScript. The most recent version of Microsoft WScript is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open WS files to Microsoft WScript

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate WS files with latest version of Microsoft WScript you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the WS 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 WS files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the WS file and select 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...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with WS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the WS 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 WS file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

Should it happed that the WS 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 WS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with WS extension is complete and error-free

If the WS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 WS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Windows Script file again.

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

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

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 Windows Script files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle WS files.

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