PMA File Extension
Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor Data
- File Type pma
- Developer Microsoft Corporation
- Popularity
- Application Windows Performance Monitor
- Category Data Files
- Format Text and Binary
What is a PMA file?
Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor Data, identified by the PMA extension, is a Data Files type and includes 6196 files.
With the creation of the Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor Data (PMA), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.
PMA files are supported by Windows. You can create a PMA file using one of 2 programs, for example Windows Performance Monitor and Microsoft Windows.
How to open a PMA file?
The most common reason why a PMA 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 PMA files are Windows Performance Monitor and Microsoft Windows. To get the latest version of Windows Performance Monitor, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Windows Performance Monitor as the default app for PMA files.
Make Windows Performance Monitor the default PMA viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your PMA 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 Performance Monitor as the application to associate with your PMA 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 PMA 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 Performance Monitor. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a PMA file?
To edit PMA files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify data files. Online PMA editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor Data.
List of Top PMA editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended PMA editors.
| PMA Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Performance Monitor | Microsoft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
Finding answers to PMA file problems
If you encounter issues with PMA files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my PMA file is damaged?
Corrupted PMA data files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Windows Performance Monitor;
- Opening or processing the file in Windows Performance Monitor 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 PMA file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Windows Performance Monitor quit or crash unexpectedly?
Windows Performance Monitor 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 PMA file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged PMA file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged data files.