CHI File Extension
Microsoft Help Index
- File Type chi
- Developer Microsoft Corporation
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Windows Help
- Category Data Files
What is a CHI file?
The CHI extension is related to Microsoft Help Index and is classified in the Data Files category, which contains 6196 files.
The Microsoft Help Index (CHI) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
CHI files are supported by Windows. To create a CHI file, you can choose from 3 programs such as Microsoft Windows Help, Microsoft Windows and Visual FoxPro.
How to open a CHI file?
If you cannot open a CHI file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Microsoft Windows Help, Microsoft Windows and Visual FoxPro stand out as the preferred programs to manage CHI files effectively. To install the current version of Microsoft Windows Help, go directly to the official Microsoft website. The universal package for all operating systems is available there.
After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle CHI files via Microsoft Windows Help.
Set Microsoft Windows Help as the default CHI program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired CHI file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
- Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for Microsoft Windows Help. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your CHI file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Windows Help application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening CHI files.
Solve problems with CHI files
CHI files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.
What are the ways to check if my CHI file is damaged?
CHI data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Windows Help;
- The file stops responding or freezes in Microsoft Windows Help or other programs;
- Unexplained CHI file size inflation;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
Why does Microsoft Windows Help crash or shut down frequently?
Insufficient updates for Microsoft products can cause Microsoft Windows Help to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
Is there any specific software or utility that can help repair a damaged CHI file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged CHI file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged data files.
How to edit a CHI file?
To make changes to CHI files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the data files. Online CHI editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Microsoft Help Index.
Best CHI Editor Software in 2026
With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of CHI editors.
| CHI Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows Help | Microsoft | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (38 reviews) |