NWS File Extension
Windows Live Mail Newsgroup Format
- File Type nws
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Windows Live Mail
- Category Email Program Files
What is a NWS file?
Windows Live Mail Newsgroup Format, identified by the NWS extension, is a Email Program Files type and includes 50 files.
With the creation of the Windows Live Mail Newsgroup Format (NWS), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.
NWS files are supported by Windows. You can open a NWS file using one of 4 programs, for example Windows Live Mail, Aid4Mail and Microsoft Outlook Express.
MIME types
- message/rfc822
Programs that support NWS files
How to open a NWS file?
The most common reason why a NWS file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with NWS files are Windows Live Mail, Aid4Mail and Microsoft Outlook Express. To get the latest version of Windows Live Mail, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Windows Live Mail as the default app for NWS files.
Make Windows Live Mail the default NWS viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your NWS file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Windows Live Mail as the application to associate with your NWS file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired NWS file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Windows Live Mail. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a NWS file?
To edit NWS files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify email program files. Online NWS editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Windows Live Mail Newsgroup Format.
List of Top NWS editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended NWS editors.
| NWS Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Mail | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Microsoft Outlook Express | Microsoft | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Windows Live Mail | Microsoft | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (41 review) |
Finding answers to NWS file problems
If you encounter issues with NWS files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my NWS file is damaged?
Corrupted NWS email program files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Windows Live Mail;
- Opening or processing the file in Windows Live Mail or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the NWS file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Windows Live Mail quit or crash unexpectedly?
Windows Live Mail crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged NWS file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged NWS file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged email program files.