WXL File Extension
WiX Localization
- File Type wxl
- Developer Microsoft Corporation
- Popularity
- Application Windows Installer
- Category Developer Files
- Format Text
What is a WXL file?
WiX Localization, identified by the WXL extension, is a Developer Files type and includes 1166 files.
With the creation of the WiX Localization (WXL), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.
WXL files are supported by Windows. You can create a WXL file using one of 2 programs, for example Windows Installer and Windows Installer XML.
How to open a WXL file?
The most common reason why a WXL 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 WXL files are Windows Installer and Windows Installer XML. To get the latest version of Windows Installer, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Windows Installer as the default app for WXL files.
Make Windows Installer the default WXL viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your WXL 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 Installer as the application to associate with your WXL 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 WXL 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 Installer. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a WXL file?
To edit WXL files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify developer files. Online WXL editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for WiX Localization.
List of Top WXL editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended WXL editors.
| WXL Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Installer | Microsoft | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (33 reviews) |
| Windows Installer XML | Microsoft | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
Finding answers to WXL file problems
If you encounter issues with WXL files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my WXL file is damaged?
Corrupted WXL developer files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Windows Installer;
- Opening or processing the file in Windows Installer 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 WXL file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Windows Installer quit or crash unexpectedly?
Windows Installer 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 WXL file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged WXL file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged developer files.