HHC File Extension

HHC file icon

HTML Help Table Of Contents

What is a HHC file?

The HHC extension is used by HTML Help Table Of Contents and falls under the categories of System Files and Text Files, covering 566 files.

Microsoft, the developer of the HTML Help Table Of Contents (HHC), has released file format and 242 programs designed to handle them.

HHC files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows. There are 3 programs available to open a HHC file, including popular tools like Microsoft HTML Help Workshop, Microsoft Windows and PSPad.

How to open a HHC file?

If you are having trouble opening a HHC file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

Microsoft HTML Help Workshop, Microsoft Windows and PSPad are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with HHC files. If you wish to install the latest release of Microsoft HTML Help Workshop, visit the official Microsoft portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.

Once Microsoft HTML Help Workshop is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening HHC files.

Set Microsoft HTML Help Workshop as the default HHC handler

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

  1. Right-click on your HHC file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
  2. In the pop-up window, find and select the Microsoft HTML Help Workshop application from the available options;
  3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening HHC files.

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired HHC file to launch the file options menu;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for Microsoft HTML Help Workshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

How to edit a HHC file?

Editing HHC files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit system files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated HTML Help Table Of Contents programs.

List of Top HHC editors 2026

According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available HHC editors.

HHC Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
PSPadJan FialaWindows4.7 out of 5 (41 review)
Microsoft HTML Help WorkshopMicrosoftWindows4.4 out of 5 (42 reviews)

Effective solutions for HHC file problems

If HHC files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt HHC file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged HHC file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged system files.

Are there any symptoms that my HHC file is damaged?

Corrupted HHC system files may show the following signs:

  • Opening the file in Microsoft HTML Help Workshop or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
  • Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
  • Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the HHC file;
  • Editing the archive in Microsoft HTML Help Workshop is accompanied by slow performance or delays;

What are the possible causes of Microsoft HTML Help Workshop crashing?

The absence of software updates can cause Microsoft HTML Help Workshop to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for Microsoft products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.