WAX File Extension

WAX file icon

Windows Media Audio Redirect

What is a WAX file?

The WAX file extension is linked to Windows Media Audio Redirect and belongs to the categories of Settings Files and Audio Files, which include 1857 files.

The Windows Media Audio Redirect (WAX) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.

WAX files are supported by Windows. To play a WAX file, you can choose from 4 programs such as KMPlayer, Windows Media and VUPlayer.

Programs that support WAX files

How to open a WAX file?

If you cannot open a WAX 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.

The most popular programs for working with WAX files are KMPlayer, Windows Media and VUPlayer. To install the latest version of VUPlayer on your computer, visit the vuplayer website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After completing the installation, WAX files should be recognized by the system and linked to VUPlayer.

Set VUPlayer as the default WAX application

Changing the default program in Windows

  1. Right click on your WAX file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
  2. From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose VUPlayer as the application to handle your WAX file;
  3. Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.

Change the default app that opens a file on Mac

  1. Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired WAX file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
  4. Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for VUPlayer. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.

How to edit a WAX file?

To edit WAX files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify settings files. Online WAX editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Windows Media Audio Redirect.

List of Top WAX editors 2026

Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of WAX editors currently available.

WAX Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Playlist ManagerSprintbitWindows4.7 out of 5 (38 reviews)
VUPlayervuplayerWindows4.5 out of 5 (42 reviews)

Troubleshooting guide for WAX file complications

While WAX files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.

How do I know if my WAX file is corrupted?

Corrupted WAX settings files may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
  • Poor performance when editing a file in Playlist Manager;
  • Opening the file in VUPlayer or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the WAX file;
  • Error messages appear while working with the file;

Why does VUPlayer crash?

The likely cause of VUPlayer crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for vuplayer products.

Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.

How to repair a corrupted WAX file?

Open the corrupted WAX file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged settings files.