WPS File Extension

Microsoft Works Word Processor Document

File Type wps
Developer Microsoft
Popularity
4.8 (40 votes)
Application Microsoft Works
Category Document Files
Format Binary

What is a WPS file?

Files with the WPS extension are specifically tied to Microsoft Works Word Processor Document, a Document Files type, and there are 969 files in this category.

The Microsoft Works Word Processor Document (WPS) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.

WPS file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. To open a WPS file, you can choose from 6 programs such as Microsoft Works, OpenOffice Writer and LibreOffice Writer.

MIME types

text/plain
zz-application/zz-winassoc-wps
application/x-msworks-wp
application/vnd.ms-works

Windows

Mac OS

Linux

How to open a WPS file?

If you cannot open a WPS 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.

Thanks to their popularity, Microsoft Works, OpenOffice Writer and LibreOffice Writer are often the go-to programs for managing WPS files. If you want the most recent release of Microsoft Works, head over to the Microsoft site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.

When you finish installing Microsoft Works, the system will automatically launch WPS files with it.

Set Microsoft Works as the default WPS application

Change the default app that opens a file on Mac

Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired WPS file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Microsoft Works. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Change a default app in Windows

Start by right-clicking on your WPS file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose Microsoft Works as the application to handle your WPS file;
Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.

Troubleshooting guide for WPS file complications

When facing challenges with WPS files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.

What Causes Microsoft Works to Crash Frequently?

Insufficient updates for Microsoft products can cause Microsoft Works to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.

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 can I restore a damaged WPS file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged WPS file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged document files.

What are the ways to check if my WPS file is damaged?

Characteristics of corrupted WPS document files can include:

The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
Editing the archive in Microsoft Works is hampered by poor overall performance;
The file causes Microsoft Works or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
An unexplained increase in the size of the WPS file;
Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;

How to edit a WPS file?

To modify WPS files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit document files. Online WPS editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Microsoft Works Word Processor Document.

Best WPS editors 2026

After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of WPS editors available for use.

WPS Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Microsoft Works	Microsoft	Windows	4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews)
Microsoft Works 6-9 File Converter	Microsoft	Windows	4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews)
Microsoft Word	Microsoft	Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android	4.4 out of 5 (39 reviews)

Convert files to and from WPS

If working with a WPS file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like PDF, RTF, XLS, DOC, DOCX or other supported formats.

After converting a WPS file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.

Offline software options such as Microsoft Word guarantee lossless conversion of WPS files.