WER File Extension
Windows Error Report
- File Type wer
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Notepad++
- Category Text Files, Data Files
What is a WER file?
Windows Error Report files, recognized by the WER extension, fall into the Text Files and Data Files categories, amounting to 6511 files.
The Windows Error Report (WER) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.
WER files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. If you need to open a WER file, you can use one of 5 programs, such as Notepad++, Atom and Sublime Text.
Programs that support WER files
How to open a WER file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a WER file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
Notepad++, Atom and Sublime Text stand out as the preferred programs to manage WER files effectively. To install the latest version of Notepad++ on your computer, visit the Notepad++ Team website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
After installation, your operating system should automatically open WER files with Notepad++.
Set Notepad++ as the default WER handler
Choose an app to open a file on Mac
- Right click or use Control + left click on the desired WER file to launch the file options menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
- In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Notepad++ and check the box next to "Always open in the application."
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your WER file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
- In the pop-up window, find and select the Notepad++ application from the available options;
- Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening WER files.
Effective solutions for WER file problems
There are some common issues with WER files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.
What are the methods to detect if my WER file has been corrupted?
WER text files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- An unexplained increase in the size of the WER file;
- Trying to work with the archive in Notepad++ or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
- The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
- While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Windows;
Why does Notepad++ crash?
Insufficient software updates can contribute to Notepad++ crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Notepad++ Team products.
Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.
How to repair a corrupted WER file?
Open the damaged WER file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged text files.
How to edit a WER file?
To make changes to WER files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the text files. Online WER editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Windows Error Report.
Best WER editors 2026
Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available WER editors.
| WER Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows | Microsoft | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| PSPad | Jan Fiala | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.1 out of 5 (36 reviews) |